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

"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

Two of them�Whistler and Sargent�had been polished expatriates whose works reflected London and London society with all the elegance and sheen of an opera hat.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Time Magazine Archive

So off he set with his opera hat, Heigho, says Rowley, And on the road he met with a rat.

From National Rhymes of the Nursery by Various

Instinctively Jenny recognized the careless figure in opera hat and full black coat.

From Carnival by MacKenzie, Compton