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

The opera hat had fallen to the floor, in the short struggle which ensued when the detective found himself in Hartmann's grasp.

From The Ivory Snuff Box by Frederic Arnold Kummer

“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 Nell Speed

A cackle of laughter broke his concentration; he turned round and saw a lone fat woodpecker, perched on his opera hat, looking at him and laughing.

From Letters from my Windmill by Alphonse Daudet