Headcovering

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A garment worn on the head to provide protection from elements or for cultural and religious significance
2. An article of clothing designed specifically to cover the head, often worn for style, modesty, or tradition
3. An accessory that shelters the head, frequently associated with specific customs or fashion preferences

Etymology: "Head" comes from Old English "heafod," and "covering" is the noun formed from "cover" plus the suffix "-ing." Put together, the compound names its purpose rather than a particular shape, so it covers hats, veils, scarves, turbans, and similar garments alike. Nothing about the word is unusual, and its meaning follows directly from its parts. The verb "cover" entered English from Old French "covrir," which descends from Latin "cooperire," meaning "to cover completely." That Latin verb combines "co-," an intensifying prefix, with "operire," "to shut or close up." The word's core sense of putting something over another thing has stayed largely stable through that whole chain.

Synonyms: hat, cap, hood, veil, turban

Antonyms: bareheadedness, uncovered head