ˈhelmə̇t, ˈheu̇m-, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle French helmet, heaumet, diminutive of helme, heaume helmet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English & Old High German helm helmet, Old Norse hjalmr, Gothic hilms; akin to Old English helan to hide, conceal — more at hell
1.
a. : a covering or enclosing headpiece of ancient or medieval armor — see armet , basinet , morion , sallet ; armor illustration
b. : a piece of medieval head armor smaller than a heaume and resting on the head : casque
c. : a heraldic representation of a helmet depicted above the shield in an achievement and supporting the crest
2. : any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material (as metal, heavy leather, fiber) to resist impact and supported by bands that prevent direct contact with the head for comfort and ventilation ; specifically : one covering the top, back, and sides of the head and often also the neck and having a window for the face and sometimes breathing or radio apparatus (as for a diver) — see crash helmet , welder's helmet ; compare gas mask , topee
3. : a variety of tumbler pigeon having a white ground color and a sharply defined cap and the tail of another color
4. : something resembling a helmet in form or position: as
a. : a hood-shaped upper sepal or petal of some flowers (as monkshood or snapdragon)
b. : casque 3
c. : a galea of an insect
5.
a. : a close-fitting cap (as of leather or knitted material) covering the top, back, and sides of the head and fastening under the chin — compare balaclava
b. : a woman's small close-fitting brimless hat