collar cap

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablespecialistreligion

   A soft, close-fitting cap with a stiff upright band around the lower edge, worn by some Christian clergy.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a collar cap' or 'collar caps' for more than one.

   Patterns

   • wear a collar cap
   • a collar cap with a stiff band

   The bishop entered the church wearing a black collar cap.

   In some traditions, a collar cap is part of the official clerical dress.

   The museum displayed a nineteenth-century collar cap made of silk.

2. 2nouncountablespecialist

   A cap or hat with a raised band or collar-like rim, sometimes worn as part of a uniform.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in descriptions of historical or ceremonial uniforms.

   Patterns

   • a military collar cap
   • a collar cap with a badge

   The guard's uniform included a dark blue collar cap.

   He adjusted his collar cap before the parade.

Word forms

Common combinations

wear a collar cap

Only senior clergy are entitled to wear a collar cap in this ceremony.

a black collar cap

He placed a black collar cap on his head.

a clerical collar cap

The clerical collar cap is rarely seen outside traditional services.

a stiff collar cap

The stiff collar cap kept its shape even after years of use.

Synonyms and how they differ

clerical cap

A more general term for a cap worn by clergy; 'collar cap' is more specific about the stiff band.

biretta

A different type of square cap worn by some clergy; a biretta has three or four peaks, while a collar cap is soft with a round band.

Commonly confused: collar cap or collar?

Practice

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