Cha`peau" (?), n.; pl. Chapeux (#). [F., fr. OF. chapel hat. See Chaplet.]
1.
hat or covering for the head.
2. Her.
A cap of maintenance. See Maintenance.
Chapeau bras () [F. chapeau hat + bras arm], a hat so made that it can be compressed and carried under the arm without injury. Such hats were particularly worn on dress occasions by gentlemen in the 18th century. A chapeau bras is now worn in the United States army by general and staff officers.
© Webster 1913.