Acoif(/kɔɪf/) is a close fittingcapworn by both men and women[1]that covers the top, back, and sides of the head.
History
editCoifs date from the 10th century, but fell out of popularity with men in the 14th century.[2]Coifs were worn by all classes inEnglandandScotlandfrom theMiddle Agesto the early 17th century (and later as an old-fashioned cap for countrywomen and young children).
Tudor(laterStewartin Scotland) and earlier coifs are usually made of unadorned whitelinenand tied under the chin. In theElizabethanand earlyJacobean eras,coifs were frequently decorated withblackwork embroideryandlaceedging. Coifs were worn undergable hoodsand hats of all sorts, and alone as indoor headcoverings.
Coifs were also worn by a now-defunct senior grade of English lawyer, theSerjeant-at-Laweven after they became judges.[2]AUnited Stateslaw school honor society is called theOrder of the Coif.
The traditionalreligious habitofCatholic nuns and Religious Sistersincludes a coif as a headpiece, along with the white cotton cap secured by abandeau,to which theveilis attached, along with a whitewimpleorguimpeofstarchedlinen or cotton to cover the cheeks, neck and chest.
Amail coifwas a type ofarmour,made ofmail,which covered the head (face excluded), neck and shoulders.
See also
edit
- Chullo- a knitted cap with ear flaps from the Andes
References
edit- ^Yarwood, Doreen(2011) [1978].Illustrated History of World Costume.Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, Inc. p. 104.ISBN978-0-486-43380-6.
- ^ab"A New Look for Women." Arts and Humanities Through the Eras. Gale. 2005."Archived copy".Archived fromthe originalon 2018-10-20.Retrieved2012-08-14.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
Further reading
edit- "coif, n.".Oxford English Dictionary(Online ed.).Oxford University Press.(Subscription orparticipating institution membershiprequired.)
- Digby, George Wingfield (1964)Elizabethan Embroidery.New York: Thomas Yoseloff