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

Stephen, standing by, folding and unfolding his opera hat, smiled.

From Only One Love, or Who Was the Heir by Garvice, Charles

He hastily took his breeches from the bed, and putting them under his arm, like an opera hat, ran to the belfry and pulled away lustily.

From The Betrothed From the Italian of Alessandro Manzoni by Manzoni, Alessandro

Fairfax, who was not going slow over his breakfast, indicated the opera hat behind the door and the bromide.

From Fairfax and His Pride by Vorst, Marie Van