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

"It wasn't a case of findings," said the young man, as he fanned himself with his opera hat.

From The Crime Doctor by Hornung, Ernest William

The Sub-Prefect had put on his best embroidered clothes; his opera hat, his skin-tight silver striped breeches, and his dress-sword with mother of pearl handle for this important day….

From Letters from my Windmill by Daudet, Alphonse

This fake can be standing behind an opera hat on the table, and the conjurer should take away the hat as he puts the cover down over the fake.

From Water Wizardry A collection of tricks in which water is the chief agent by Ainslie, Arthur