— hatless , adj. — hatlessness , n. — hatlike , adj.
/hat/ , n. , v. , hatted, hatting .
n.
1. a shaped covering for the head, usually with a crown and brim, esp. for wear outdoors.
2. Rom. Cath. Ch.
a. the distinctive head covering of a cardinal.
b. the office or dignity of a cardinal. Cf. red hat .
3. hat in hand , humbly; respectfully: He approached the boss, hat in hand.
4. pass the hat , to ask for contributions of money, as for charity; take up a collection: The lodge members passed the hat to send underprivileged children to summer camp.
5. take off one's hat to , to express high regard for; praise: We took off our hats to their courage and daring.
6. talk through one's hat , to speak without knowing the facts; make unsupported or incorrect statements: He is talking through his hat when he says he'll make the team.
7. throw or toss one's hat in or into the ring , to become a participant in a contest, esp. to declare one's candidacy for political office: His friends are urging him to throw his hat in the ring.
8. under one's hat , confidential; private; secret: I'll tell you the real story, but keep it under your hat.
9. wear two or several hats , to function in more than one capacity; fill two or more positions: He wears two hats, serving as the company's comptroller as well as its chief executive officer.
v.t.
10. to provide with a hat; put a hat on.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE haett; c. ON hottr hood; akin to HOOD 1 ]