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

See Examples For:

chapeau bras

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 Francis Douce

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 Arthur Stedman

I think a modern in an antique dress, as just an object of ridicule, as a Hercules or Marius with a periwig and chapeau bras.

From Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 2 by Thomas Jefferson Randolph

The hearse was open at the sides, with the coffin fully showing, and a gold-laced chapeau bras lying on it.

From Familiar Spanish Travels by William Dean Howells

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

From English Costume by Dion Clayton Calthrop