late Old English cæppe "hood, head-covering, cape," a general Germanic borrowing (compare Old Frisian and Middle Dutch kappe, Old High German chappa) from Late Latin cappa "a cape, hooded cloak" (source of Spanish capa, Old North French cape, French chape), a word of uncertain origin. Possibly a shortened from capitulare "headdress," from Latin caput "head" (from PIE root *kaput- "head").
The Late Latin word apparently originally meant "a woman's head-covering," but the sense was transferred to "hood of a cloak," then to "cloak" itself, though the various senses co-existed. Old English took in two forms of the Late Latin word, one meaning "head-covering," the other "ecclesiastical dress" (see cape (n.1)). In most Romance languages, a diminutive of Late Latin cappa has become the usual word for "head-covering" (such as French chapeau).
The meaning "soft, small, close-fitted head covering" in English is from early 13c., originally for women; extended to men late 14c.; extended to cap-like coverings on the ends of anything (as in hubcap) from mid-15c. The meaning "contraceptive device" is by 1916.
The meaning "cap-shaped piece of copper lined with gunpowder and used to ignite a firearm" is by 1825, hence cap-gun (1855); extended to paper strips used in toy pistols by 1872 (cap-pistol is from 1879).
Figurative thinking cap is from 1839 (considering cap is 1650s). Cap and bells (1781) was the insignia of a fool; cap and gown (1732) of a scholar. To set one's cap at or for (1773) means "use measures to gain the regard or affection of," usually in reference to a woman seeking a man's courtship.
As a language and cultural history enthusiast, I bring a depth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion of the etymology and historical evolution of the term "cap." My passion for linguistic exploration and historical context allows me to delve into the intricacies of words and their transformations across time.
The term "cap" has a rich history, tracing its roots to late Old English as "cæppe," where it denoted a hood, head-covering, or cape. This term finds its origins in Late Latin, specifically the word "cappa," meaning a cape or hooded cloak. The Germanic languages borrowed this term, leading to variations like Old Frisian "kappe," Middle Dutch "kappe," and Old High German "chappa."
The uncertain origin of "cappa" in Late Latin poses an intriguing linguistic puzzle. One possibility is that it is a shortened form of "capitulare," which refers to a headdress, derived from the Latin "caput," meaning head. The Late Latin term originally signified a woman's head-covering, but its meaning evolved to include the hood of a cloak and eventually the cloak itself.
Old English incorporated two forms of the Late Latin word. One referred to a "head-covering," while the other denoted "ecclesiastical dress," as seen in the word "cape." Romance languages, on the other hand, often adopted a diminutive form of Late Latin "cappa" to represent a head-covering, as exemplified by the French "chapeau."
The English term "cap" took on various meanings over time. In the early 13th century, it referred to a soft, small, close-fitted head covering for women, extending to men in the late 14th century. By the mid-15th century, the term expanded to include cap-like coverings on the ends of objects, such as hubcaps. The metaphorical use of "thinking cap" emerged in 1839, reflecting a figurative device for considering or solving problems.
Notably, the term "cap" acquired diverse connotations, including its association with contraceptive devices by 1916. Another intriguing development is the emergence of the term in the context of firearms, where a "cap-shaped piece of copper lined with gunpowder" was used to ignite the weapon, leading to the later coinage of "cap-gun" in 1855.
In the realm of symbolism, "cap and bells" became the insignia of a fool in 1781, while "cap and gown" symbolized a scholar from 1732 onward. The expression "to set one's cap at or for" from 1773 denotes the act of using measures to gain the regard or affection of another, often in the context of courtship, particularly when a woman seeks a man's attention.
In summary, the evolution of the term "cap" showcases its fascinating journey from a simple head-covering to encompassing various forms, symbols, and metaphorical uses throughout history, illustrating the richness of language and its ability to adapt and evolve over time.
