chapeau bras

American  

[brah] / brɑ /

noun

1. a small three-cornered hat, worn by gentlemen in full dress in the 18th century, that could be folded flat and carried under the arm.

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Etymology

Origin of chapeau bras

1755–65; < French: arm hat

Example Sentences

He carries a chapeau bras under his arm—a hat for carrying only, since he will not ruffle his wig.

From English Costume by Calthrop, Dion Clayton

In the character of a young man with a chapeau bras he brings a urinal for the physician’s inspection.

From The Dance of Death Exhibited in Elegant Engravings on Wood with a Dissertation on the Several Representations of that Subject but More Particularly on Those Ascribed to Macaber and Hans Holbein by Douce, Francis

His majesty was arrayed in a magnificent military uniform, stiff with gold lace and embroidery, while his shaven crown was concealed by a huge chapeau bras, waving with ostrich plumes.

From Typee by Stedman, Arthur

I am no friend to ceremony, and like a house as well when it does not carry its roof en chapeau bras.

From Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume V (of 10) by Lockhart, J. G. (John Gibson)

And I have seen—not many months ago— An eastern Governor in chapeau bras And military coat, a glorious show!

From Poetical Works of William Cullen Bryant Household Edition by Stoddard, Richard Henry