Definition of cocked hat

The origin of the word "cocked hat" can be traced back to medieval Europe, when soldiers and nobles wore forehead-covering hats with tall conical crowns. The hats were designed to offer protection and distinguish the wearer's rank or profession, and often featured decorative elements such as feathers or ribbons. The term "cocked" refers to the angled position that these hats were often worn in. Instead of being placed parallel to the ground, the hats were tilted forward to show off the wearer's face and convey a sense of confidence or defiance. This pose, known as "cocked" or "slouched," became a signifier of fashion and status in the centuries that followed. In English, the term "cocked hat" was first recorded in the mid-1500s, and was used to describe a variety of tall, conical hats worn by different professions. For example, "cocked hat" was applied to the hats worn by British Oxford university graduates, as well as to the jaunty hats favored by Italian mandarins. Today, the term "cocked hat" is less commonly used, having been largely replaced by more specific styles like beret, bowler, or fedora. However, the cone-shaped silhouette and angled pose associated with "cocked hats" continue to inspire fashion trends and accessories, from driving caps to action hero belts.