Bicorn

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪkɔːn/

Definitions

1. A type of hat that features two distinct raised points is typically connected to historical military apparel
2. A design of headwear distinguished by its two horn-like structures is often associated with ceremonial uniforms
3. A hat characterized by having a pair of prominent pointed shapes often linked to past military dress

Etymology: The "bicorn" hat takes its name from a Latin adjective meaning "two-horned," built from "bi-" (two) and "-corn" (horn). The Latin "bicornis" was used of creatures with two horns, and the same root gave French "bicorne," which in French could describe either a two-cornered hat or a two-horned monster. English borrowed the word in the Middle Ages, when it was already attested in the senses "two-horned anvil" and "two-pronged fork," as well as "fabulous (two-horned) beast." The hat itself is the most recent of these uses. Its name follows the same pattern as the older English form, in which a shape with two pointed projections gave the name. The word thus passed from describing animals and tools to describing a piece of headwear, keeping the image of two prominent points.