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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.

See Examples For:

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

"Because you prefer a fool's cap to a king's crown," he answered, looking significantly at her companion.

From Under the Rose by Frederic Stewart Isham

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 William Evans

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