a shaped covering for the head, usually with a crown and brim, esp. for wear outdoors.

Roman Catholic Church .

the distinctive head covering of a cardinal.

the office or dignity of a cardinal. Compare red hat .

to provide with a hat; put a hat on. ?

hat in hand

humbly; respectfully

He approached the boss, hat in hand.

pass the hat, to ask for contributions of money

as for charity; take up a collection

The lodge members passed the hat to send underprivileged children to summer camp.

take off one's hat to

to express high regard for; praise

We took off our hats to their courage and daring.

talk through one's hat

to speak without knowing the facts; make unsupported or incorrect statements

He is talking through his hat when he says he'll make the team.

throw or toss one's hat in or into the ring, to become a participant in a contest

esp. to declare one's candidacy for political office

His friends are urging him to throw his hat in the ring.

under one's hat

confidential; private; secret

I'll tell you the real story, but keep it under your hat.

wear two or several hats

to function in more than one capacity; fill two or more positions

He wears two hats, serving as the company's comptroller as well as its chief executive officer.

noun

boater , bonnet , bowler , bucket , chapeau , fedora , headgear , headpiece , helmet , lid * , millinery , panama , sailor * , skimmer , sombrero , stetson , stove pipe , straw * , tam , tam o’shanter , ten-gallon , topper