Definition of bonnet

The word "bonnet" originated in Middle English around the 14th century, deriving from the Old French word "bonet," which itself originated from the Latin word "buytta," meaning "small cap." In its early history, the term "bonnet" referred to a close-fitting, pointed cap that was worn by both men and women in medieval Europe. It was commonly made of wool or felt and could be decorated with various materials like fur or feathers. Over time, the meaning of the word "bonnet" evolved to describe a woman's head covering, specifically a type of hat that was fashionable in the 18th and 19th centuries. These bonnets were often large and wide-brimmed, designed to provide women with protection from the sun and rain. They were also commonly decorated with ribbons, flowers, and other embellishments. Today, the term "bonnet" is less frequently used to describe women's head coverings, as more modern hat styles have emerged. However, it continues to be used in certain contexts, such as to describe a specific type of head covering worn by women as part of traditional cultural dress in some African and Caribbean communities. In essence, the origins of the word "bonnet" can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it first referred to a small cap before evolving to describe a woman's head covering over the centuries.