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Capuchin

Syllabification: (Cap·u·chin)

Pronunciation: /ˈkap(y)əSHən, kəˈp(y)o͞o-/

Definition of Capuchin

noun

1a friar belonging to a branch of the Franciscan order that observes a strict rule drawn up in 1529.

2 (capuchin) a cloak and hood formerly worn by women.

3 (capuchin or capuchin monkey) a South American monkey with a cap of hair on the head that has the appearance of a cowl.
- Genus Cebus, family Cebidae: four species, including the brown capuchin (C. apella)

4 (capuchin) a pigeon of a breed with head and neck feathers resembling a cowl.

Origin:

late 16th century: from obsolete French, earlier form of capucin, from Italian cappuccino, from cappuccio 'hood, cowl', from cappa (see cape¹), the friars being so named because of their sharp-pointed hoods

Capuchin in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of Capuchin in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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