hat  (h ăt)
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n.1. A covering for the head, especially one with a shaped crown and brim. 2. a. A head covering of distinctive color and shape worn as a symbol of office. b. The office symbolized by the wearing of such a head covering. 3. A role or office symbolized by or as if by the wearing of different hats: wears two hats—one as parent and one as corporate executive. tr.v. hat·ted, hat·ting, hats To supply or cover with a hat. Idioms: at the drop of a hat At the slightest pretext or provocation. hat in hand In a humble manner; humbly. take (one's) hat off to To respect, admire, or congratulate. talk through (one's) hat1. To talk nonsense. 2. To bluff. throw/toss (one's) hat into the ring To enter a political race as a candidate for office. under (one's) hat As a secret or in confidence: Keep this information under your hat.
[Middle English, from Old English hæt, hætt.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices
Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:
Indo-European Roots
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