Sou'wester

Sou'wester

A sou'wester is a hat that is worn to repel water, usually made of a flexible waterproof material such as plastic or oilcloth; it often has a neckstrap to keep it from flying off in strong winds. It was traditionally worn by sailors off the North Atlantic coast of the U.S. and Canada, and is distinguished by a wide brim that is especially long in the back for the purpose of protecting the neck from the elements.

The name derives from nor'easter, which is generally considered the worst storm pattern in the area. A sou'wester protects one from the elements, and thus the name derives from being "opposite the storm."

The traditional North American firefighter helmet, which also sports a wide brim and a long tail covering the back of the neck, can be seen as a hard version of a sou'wester.

External links

* [http://www.westernsafety.com/hellyhansen2005/hhpg22-12916.jpgImage of a sou'wester]
* [http://aolsvc.merriam-webster.aol.com/dictionary/sou'westers Merriam-Webster]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • sou'wester — [sou΄wes′tər] n. SOUTHWESTER …   English World dictionary

  • sou'wester — ► NOUN ▪ a waterproof hat with a broad brim or flap covering the back of the neck …   English terms dictionary

  • sou'wester — UK [ˌsaʊ ˈwestə(r)] / US [saʊˈwestər] noun [countable] Word forms sou wester : singular sou wester plural sou westers a hat that protects your face and neck from the wind and rain …   English dictionary

  • sou'wester — [[t]sa͟ʊwe̱stə(r)[/t]] sou westers N COUNT A sou wester is a waterproof hat that is worn especially by sailors in stormy weather. It has a wide brim at the back to keep your neck dry …   English dictionary

  • sou'wester — sou west|er [sauˈwestə US ər] n [Date: 1800 1900; Origin: southwester] a hat made of shiny material that keeps the rain off, with a wide piece at the back that covers your neck …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • sou'wester — sou west|er [ sau westər ] noun count a hat that protects your face and neck from the wind and rain …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • sou'wester — sou west·er …   English syllables

  • sou'wester — sou •west•er [[t]ˌsaʊˈwɛs tər[/t]] n. 1) cvb clo a waterproof hat, often of oilskin, having the brim very broad behind and slanted, worn esp. by seamen 2) cvb clo an oilskin slicker, fastening with buckles, worn esp. by seamen in rough weather 3) …   From formal English to slang

  • sou'wester — /sow wes teuhr/, n. 1. a waterproof hat, often of oilskin, having the brim very broad behind and slanted, worn esp. by seamen. 2. an oilskin slicker, fastening with buckles, worn esp. by seamen in rough weather. 3. southwester (def. 1). Also… …   Universalium

  • sou'-wester — /saʊ ˈwɛstə/ (say sow westuh) noun 1. a waterproof hat, usually of oilskin, having the brim very broad behind, worn especially by sailors. 2. → south wester …  

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”