A soft, round Irish woolen cap or beret, traditionally worn in Ireland, especially in rural areas.
From Irish Gaelic cabanReleased, meaning 'cap' or 'hat.' This is a direct borrowing from Irish into English, reflecting cultural clothing traditions. The word is also spelled 'colleen' (though that's more specifically a girl).
The caubeen was so associated with Irish identity that British authorities tried discouraging its wear during colonial times—when governments start regulating what people can wear, you know a garment has become a powerful cultural symbol.
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