A decorative or protective covering worn on the head, such as a crown, helmet, or ornamental accessory.
Compound word from 'head' plus 'piece.' Both words are Old English in origin; 'head' from the root meaning the top of the body, and 'piece' from Latin petia meaning a fragment or part.
Headpieces are one of the quickest ways to show status or role in history—a crown says 'royalty,' a helmet says 'warrior,' a tiara says 'formal occasion'—so writers and costume designers love using them!
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