A Russian grandmother, or a traditional Russian headscarfe worn by women, often tied under the chin.
From Russian бабушка (babushka), diminutive of баба (baba) meaning woman or grandmother. Came into English in the late 19th century through Russian literature and culture.
Babushka became an English word specifically through Russian literature and art—it's one of those words where the whole cultural weight of Russian family life comes with it, which is why 'babushka' means something totally different than just saying 'grandmother'!
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