A type of soft, flat cap that was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, often worn by commoners and characters in plays.
From 'flatter' (to smooth or press flat) + 'cap,' referring to the flat shape of the headwear. The term emerged in Early Modern English to describe this distinctive hat style.
This seemingly silly hat name actually appears in Shakespeare's works—it was so associated with the working classes that mentioning someone wearing a flattercap told you their social status immediately!
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