hat: Meaning and Definition of

hat

Pronunciation: (hat), [key]
— n., v., hat•ted, hat•ting.
—n.
  1. a shaped covering for the head, usually with a crown and brim, esp. for wear outdoors.
    1. the distinctive head covering of a cardinal.
    2. the office or dignity of a cardinal. Cf. red hat.
  2. humbly; respectfully: He approached the boss, hat in hand.
  3. 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.
  4. to express high regard for; praise: We took off our hats to their courage and daring.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. confidential; private; secret: I'll tell you the real story, but keep it under your hat.
  8. 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.
  1. to provide with a hat; put a hat on.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • hat (Thesaurus)