A close-fitting cap or nightcap worn in bed, historically used to keep the head warm and protect hairstyles.
Compound word from 'bed' and 'cap.' Common in historical fashion, especially during the Victorian era and earlier, when sleeping caps were standard bedroom attire for both men and women.
Bedcaps reveal how much bedroom culture has changed—they were essential fashion in eras when drafty bedrooms and elaborate hairstyles requiring maintenance made sleeping caps practical and necessary. Now they're almost extinct, replaced by modern heating and different hair expectations.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.