Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

fool's cap

American  

noun

  1. a traditional jester's cap or hood, often multicolored and usually having several drooping peaks from which bells are hung.

  2. dunce cap.


fool's cap British  

noun

  1. a hood or cap with bells or tassels, worn by court jesters

  2. a dunce's cap

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fool's cap

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He puts on his fool’s cap and plays and dances and hopes he amuses.”

From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2023

"Troel" is quite the fantastical creature with his carrot-shaped nose, crooked fool's cap, wispy beard and blearily closed eyes.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2012

Over the burgher's shoulder, Jordaens has painted himself, sporting a fool's cap.

From Time Magazine Archive

The gray head is indeed a crown of glory if it be found in the way of life; otherwise it is a fool's cap.

From The Shepherd Psalm A Meditation by Evans, William

He addressed the audience when he came into Court in the morning, and said: "I see the Worcester Spy has been trying to put a fool's cap on my head."

From Autobiography of Seventy Years, Vol. 1-2 by Hoar, George Frisbie

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "fool's cap" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com