sou'wester

American  

[sou-wes-ter] / ˌsaʊˈwɛs tər /

noun

1. a waterproof hat, often of oilskin, having the brim very broad behind and slanted, worn especially by seamen.

2. an oilskin slicker, fastening with buckles, worn especially by seamen in rough weather.

3. contraction of southwester.

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sou'wester British  

/ saʊˈwɛstə /

noun

1. a waterproof hat having a very broad rim behind, worn esp by seamen

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Etymology

Origin of sou'wester

First recorded in 1830–40; reduced form of southwester

Example Sentences

When it comes to reassuring train bears, alas, it’s hard to top Paddington and his red sou’wester.

From New York Times • May 20, 2022

He was standing at the tiller, in oilskins and sou’wester, while Lyra sat just inside the doorway, wrapped in an old coat of his.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2019

The heat scorched Lyra’s face, and Brabandt tilted his sou’wester against it.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2019

Last week Nazi night raids on London eased up in the face of bad weather, and early this week, with a sou'wester howling on the Channel, Londoners experienced their first all-clear night in 30.

From Time Magazine Archive

Best to keep under cover when she heard them, or wear the oilskin sou’wester over her bright distinctive hair.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman