mob cap etymology

Etymology

"Mob cap" is a compound noun composed of two words:

  • Mob: Short for "mobile" or "mobilitas" (Latin), meaning "movable." This refers to the cap's removable and adjustable nature.
  • Cap: A covering for the head, often made of fabric.

Meaning

A mob cap is a type of women's headwear that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is characterized by its:

  • Simple, close-fitting design
  • Ample frills or ruffles around the face
  • Adjustable ribbons or ties at the back to secure it on the head

Origin

The earliest known mob caps date back to the 17th century in western Europe. They became widely adopted in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among working-class women and domestic servants.

The mob cap was originally a practical garment designed to keep hair neat and out of the way while working. Over time, it evolved into a more decorative and fashionable accessory, with variations in size, shape, and embellishment.

The term "mob cap" was first used in the early 18th century to describe the caps worn by working-class women. By the mid-18th century, it had become the accepted name for the style.

Decline

The mob cap declined in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as new fashion trends emerged and women increasingly adopted shorter and more practical hairstyles.

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