CHAPEAU

Cha′peau″ (?), n.; pl. Chapeux (#). [[F., fr. OF. chapel hat. See Chaplet.]] 1. 1. A hat or covering for the head.
2. 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.