top hat

¹

noun

1. a tall, cylindrical hat with a stiff brim usually slightly curved on the sides, worn by men especially on formal occasions.

top-hat

²

[top-hat]

adjective

1. of or relating to polite or fashionable society.

top hat

noun

1. Also called: high hat. a man's hat with a tall cylindrical crown and narrow brim, often made of silk, now worn for some formal occasions

Word History and Origins

Origin of top hat¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Origin of top hat²

First recorded in 1890–95; adj. use of top hat