Capuchin

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkæp.ə.t͡ʃɪn/

Definitions

1. A small monkey native to Central and South America with a rounded head, prehensile tail, and typically dark fur with lighter-colored face markings
2. A small primate found in tropical American forests known for its dexterous hands and distinctive coloration ; a friar belonging to a branch of the Franciscan order noted for their simple brown robes and commitment to poverty
3. A monkey common to Central and South America characterized by intelligent behavior and a flexible tail ; a member of a Roman Catholic group established in the 16th century focused on austerity and preaching

Etymology: The monkey takes its name from a hood. Friars of the Capuchin order, a branch of the Franciscans, wore a pointed cowl, and the Italian word "cappuccino" described that garb, from Late Latin "cappa", meaning cape or hood. The same word eventually gave us the coffee drink, whose colour matches the friars' brown habits. The name moved to the animal because of the hood-like crest of dark hair that frames the face of these monkeys, which looks like a monk's cowl. English first recorded the word around 1589, borrowed through French "capuchin", which had itself grown out of the earlier form "capucin".

Synonyms: monkey, primate, simians, marmoset, squirrel monkey