A military cap with a flat circular top and a visor, typically associated with French and American Civil War uniforms.
From French 'képi,' which comes from German 'Käppi,' a diminutive of 'Kappe' meaning cap. The style was adopted by the French army from Swiss mercenaries in the 1840s, then spread to other militaries including the American Civil War armies. The German origin is ironic given that the kepi became most famous as the symbol of French military style, especially the Foreign Legion.
The iconic French military cap actually has German roots, borrowed from Swiss soldiers who learned it from German-speaking regions. It's a perfect example of how military fashion crosses borders and becomes a national symbol despite its foreign origins.
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