n.

1. A woman's small, brimless, close-fitting hat.
2. A plumed velvet cap with a full crown and small rolled brim, worn in 16th-century France.

[French, from Spanish toca.]

[TOHK] Although toque describes at least three different hat styles, in the culinary world it refers to the tall white hat worn by a chef. Toques range from pouffy and relaxed to stiff and pleated. They were first worn by chefs in the 1820s.

IN BRIEF: n. - A small round woman's hat; A tall white hat with a pouched crown.

Tutor's tip: This word was used in the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: a tall white hat with a pouched crown; worn by chefs

Meaning #2: a small round woman's hat
  Synonyms: pillbox, turban

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