Hatfuls

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A large quantity of items or substances that can be held in a hat, often used to describe an abundance
2. A figurative expression denoting a significant amount of something gathered or collected in a hat-like manner
3. Referring to a number of hats filled with contents, symbolizing oversupply or plentifulness in a whimsical way

Etymology: "Hatfuls" is simply the plural of "hatful," and the plural form is the one you see most often in practice, as in "hatfuls of money." The base word is a compound of "hat" and the suffix "-ful," the same suffix found in "handful," "spoonful," and "cupful." That suffix descends from Old English "full," meaning filled with, and English has used it this way for centuries to name the amount a container holds. The "-ful" pattern is productive, meaning speakers can coin new measures almost at will, which is why "hatful" sits comfortably beside older and more standard measure words. Its plural is formed regularly, adding "s" at the end rather than changing the middle of the word, a pattern shared by "handfuls" and "spoonfuls." Because "hatful" is a plain, transparent compound rather than a borrowed or specialised term, its history is essentially the history of its two parts.