opera hat

American  

noun

1. a man's tall, collapsible top hat, held open or in shape by springs and usually covered with a black, silky fabric.

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opera hat British  

noun

1. Also called: gibus.  a collapsible top hat operated by a spring

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Etymology

Origin of opera hat

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

opera hat

"I know some members may feel that they look particularly fetching in the opera hat, but it really does make the House of Commons look ridiculous," she told MPs.

From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2015

The father's opera hat was put in the cornerstone and ten stained glass windows commemorated the operas he produced.

From Time Magazine Archive

Your hat, sir villain,” she went on, snapping open an opera hat and handing it to Betty with a flourish.

From Betty Wales Freshman by Dunton, Edith K.

“Don’t be frightened, ladies,” said the tallest young man, who wore correct evening clothes, from his opera hat and pearl studs to his pointed patent leather pumps.

From Molly Brown's Freshman Days by Speed, Nell

Whistler once came searching for his opera hat.

From Forty Years of 'Spy' by Ward, Leslie