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.

---

opera hat British  

noun

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

---

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

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.

His eyes suddenly fell upon the opera hat which he had taken from his portmanteau.

From The Ivory Snuff Box by Kummer, Frederic Arnold