chaperon

hood, chaperon

noun shahp-ROHN Rare

Origin: Old French 'chape' (cape, hood)

Also means

chaperone, escort

Usage Note

Chaperon originally referred to a hood or head-covering worn in medieval France. In modern usage it can mean a chaperone who accompanies young people, or in Petit Chaperon Rouge, it names the famous 'Red Riding Hood' of the fairy tale. The verb chaperonner means to act as chaperone.

Examples

"Le chaperon rouge rencontre le loup."

Natural Translation

Little Red Riding Hood meets the wolf.

Literal Translation

The red hood meets the wolf.

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