skullcap
UK[ˈskʌlkæp]US[ˈskʌlkæp]
n
a small, close-fitting cap without a brim, often worn indoors or as part of religious or academic dress.
n
a protective piece of armor fitting over the top of the head.
n
any of a genus (Scutellaria) of plants of the mint family, having a helmet-shaped calyx.
Morpheme Breakdown
skull
cap
skull
cap
Etymology
the word 'skullcap' is a transparent english compound, formed from the nouns 'skull' and 'cap'. 'skull' entered english from old norse 'skalli', meaning a bald head or skull, replacing the old english word 'heafodban'. 'cap' traces back to late latin 'cappa', a hood or head-covering. the compound literally means "a cap for the skull," which perfectly describes its primary sense of a close-fitting head covering. this literal sense was then extended metaphorically to name a piece of armor protecting the head and, later, to a genus of plants whose flower calyx resembles a small helmet or cap.
Analysis
Structure: skull + cap
skull: from middle english 'skulle', of scandinavian origin; refers to the bony framework of the head. in this compound, it specifies the location or shape.
cap: from old english 'cæppe', from late latin 'cappa'; refers to a covering for the head. in this compound, it denotes the general type of object.
Examples
the monk pulled his woolen skullcap down over his ears against the monastery's chill.
the ancient helmet was essentially a metal skullcap with cheek guards.
blue skullcap is a wildflower often found in moist woodland areas.