pith helmet

The "pith helmet" is a lightweight hat originally designed for sun protection in tropical climates, often linked with colonial-era explorers and military personnel.

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Definition

B2General

(historical)A lightweight hat made of materials like pith, cork, or fiber, covered with cloth, designed to protect from sun and heat.

Example

  • The explorer wore a pith helmet to shield himself from the harsh sun.
  • Pith helmets were commonly used by European travelers in the tropics.

B2Colonial Era

(historical)A sun-protective helmet associated with European colonizers and explorers, characterized by its lightweight construction and wide brim.

Example

  • During the colonial period, pith helmets became a symbol of European presence in tropical regions.

B2Military

(historical, military)A helmet with a wide brim and high crown, worn by military personnel in hot climates to protect from the sun.

Example

  • Soldiers in the tropics often wore pith helmets as part of their uniform.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pith helmet":

pit helmetpoliceman's helmetshovel hatjockey's capcork hat