chapeau bras

1 definition found

chapeau bras - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Chapeau \Cha`peau"\, n.; pl. Chapeux. [F., fr. OF. chapel hat.
     See Chaplet.]
     1. A hat or covering for the head.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Her.) A cap of maintenance. See Maintenance.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Chapeau bras[F. chapeau hat + bras arm], a hat so made that
        it can be compressed and carried under the arm without
        injury. Such hats were particularly worn on dress
        occasions by gentlemen in the 18th century. A chapeau bras
        is now worn in the United States army by general and staff
        officers.
        [1913 Webster]