2. (Her.) The representation of a helmet over shields or
coats of arms, denoting gradations of rank by
modifications of form.
3. A helmet-shaped hat, made of cork, felt, metal, or other
suitable material, worn as part of the uniform of
soldiers, firemen, etc., also worn in hot countries as a
protection from the heat of the sun.
4. That which resembles a helmet in form, position, etc.; as:
(a) (Chem.) The upper part of a retort. --Boyle.
(b) (Bot.) The hood-formed upper sepal or petal of some
flowers, as of the monkshood or the snapdragon.
(c) (Zo["o]l.) A naked shield or protuberance on the top
or fore part of the head of a bird.
{Helmet beetle} (Zo["o]l.), a leaf-eating beetle of the
family {Chrysomelid[ae]}, having a short, broad, and
flattened body. Many species are known.
{Helmet shell} (Zo["o]l.), one of many species of tropical
marine univalve shells belonging to {Cassis} and allied
genera. Many of them are large and handsome; several are
used for cutting as cameos, and hence are called {cameo
shells}. See {King conch}.
{Helmet shrike} (Zo["o]l.), an African wood shrike of the
genus {Prionodon}, having a large crest.
How could thou ween, through that disguised hood To
hide thy state from being understood? --Spenser.
2. A covering or garment for the head or the head and
shoulders, often attached to the body garment; especially:
(a) A soft covering for the head, worn by women, which
leaves only the face exposed.
(b) A part of a monk's outer garment, with which he covers
his head; a cowl. ``All hoods make not monks.''
--Shak.
(c) A like appendage to a cloak or loose overcoat, that
may be drawn up over the head at pleasure.
(d) An ornamental fold at the back of an academic gown or
ecclesiastical vestment; as, a master's hood.
(e) A covering for a horse's head.
(f) (Falconry) A covering for a hawk's head and eyes. See
Illust. of {Falcon}.
3. Anything resembling a hood in form or use; as:
(a) The top or head of a carriage.
(b) A chimney top, often contrived to secure a constant
draught by turning with the wind.
(c) A projecting cover above a hearth, forming the upper
part of the fireplace, and confining the smoke to the
flue.
(d) The top of a pump.
(e) (Ord.) A covering for a mortar.
(f) (Bot.) The hood-shaped upper petal of some flowers, as
of monkshood; -- called also {helmet}. --Gray.
(g) (Naut.) A covering or porch for a companion hatch.
4. (Shipbuilding) The endmost plank of a strake which reaches
the stem or stern.