Definition

Noun: 1. A tall, cylindrical military hat, often with a peak (visor) and a decorative plume or pom-pom on top: A "shako" is a specific type of ceremonial headgear historically worn by soldiers, particularly in the 19th century. It is characterized by its rigid, upright shape.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The soldier's shako was adorned with a tall red plume.
  • In historical reenactments, the infantry often wear a shako as part of their uniform.
  • The museum displayed a collection of 19th-century military uniforms, each with its distinctive shako.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term "shako" is primarily used in historical or ceremonial contexts. It is not a term for modern combat helmets or everyday hats.
  • The painting depicted Napoleonic troops in their blue coats and black shakos.

Variants and Related Words

• Busby: (noun) A similar tall fur hat worn by certain ceremonial regiments, often confused with a shako but typically made of fur and without a rigid peak.
• Bearskin: (noun) An even taller, fur ceremonial hat worn by guards, such as the British Queen's Guard, distinct from the cylindrical, cloth-covered shako.

Synonyms

• Military hat: A general term for any hat that is part of a military uniform.
• Ceremonial helmet: While not a helmet for protection, a shako serves a similar formal, uniform function in parades.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• (To be) as straight as a shako: An idiom describing something or someone that is very upright, rigid, or formal in posture or manner, drawing a direct comparison to the hat's shape.
  • The veteran stood as straight as a shako during the memorial service.

Noun

1. tall hat; worn by some British soldiers on ceremonial occasions