The projecting edge or border of a hat that extends around its circumference, designed to shade the face and eyes.
From hat + brim, combining Old English hæt with brim (from Middle English brymme, meaning edge or border, possibly from Old Norse). The compound emerged as hat styles became more varied.
The brim width of a hat actually changed with fashion and function—farmers needed wider brims for sun protection, while formal hats had minimal brims, showing how practical concerns shaped fashion!
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