casque

American  

[kask] / kæsk /

noun

1. an open, conical helmet with a nose guard, commonly used in the medieval period.

2. any helmet-shaped head covering.

3. Zoology. a process or formation on the head, resembling a helmet.

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casque British  

/ kæsk /

noun

1. zoology a helmet or a helmet-like process or structure, as on the bill of most hornbills

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Other Word Forms

• casqued
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of casque

1570–80; < Middle French < Spanish casco helmet, head, earthen pot; akin to cascara

Example Sentences

The helmeted hornbill is another one: critically endangered owing to land clearing for palm oil plantations, and poaching for its magnificent red ivory casque.

From The Guardian • Sep. 30, 2019

The market incentivizes the poachers—the beak of the helmeted hornbill in Indonesia, for example, with its red rubbery neck, remarkably expressive eyes, and prized casque that resembles ivory, can sell for thousands of dollars.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2019

Unlike many other species, the casque is made of solid keratin, akin to rhino horn, and has long been valued as a material that's easy to carve.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2016

Remarkable casque anatomy of Rhinoplax, the Asian Helmeted hornbill.

From Scientific American • Apr. 22, 2014

“Yah, you allus was as obstinate as a mule, Mr Pug,” said the old fellow, handing the great casque with its barred visor.

From Dutch the Diver A Man's Mistake by Fenn, George Manville