Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Helmet
Hel′met
,Noun.
[OF.
helmet
, a dim of helme
, F. heaume
; of Teutonic origin; cf. G. helm
, akin to AS. & OS. helm
, D. helm
, helmet
, Icel. hjālmr
, Sw. hjelm
, Dan. hielm
, Goth. hilms
; and prob. from the root of AS. helan
to hide, to hele; cf. also Lith. szalmas
, Russ. shleme
, Skr. çarman
protection. √17. Cf. Hele
, Hell
, Helm
a helmet.] 1.
(Armor)
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)
(Zool.)
A naked shield or protuberance on the top or fore part of the head of a bird.
Helmet beetle
(Zool.)
, a leaf-eating beetle of the family
– Chrysomelidae
, having a short, broad, and flattened body. Many species are known. Helmet shell
(Zool.)
, 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
(Zool.)
, an African wood shrike of the genus
Prionodon
, having a large crest.