balaclava

[ bal-uh-klah-vuh ]

/ ˌbæl əˈklɑ və /

a close-fitting, knitted cap that covers the head, neck, and tops of the shoulders, worn especially by mountain climbers, soldiers, skiers, etc.

Also called balaclava helmet.

Origin of balaclava

First recorded in 1880–85; named after Balaklava

bal, bal musette, bal., bala, balaam, balaclava, balaguer, balak, balakirev, balaklava, balakovo

Soon came whispers about a Russian corvette being spotted at Balaclava Bay.

Russia Stages a Coup in Crimea |Michael Weiss |March 1, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Police also found several weapons and balaclava head masks in the home where Maria was living.

The Mysterious Case of Maria, Greece’s Fake Roma Child |Barbie Latza Nadeau |October 21, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
It features a scantily clad woman wearing a balaclava and holding a sign championing the dissident feminist anti-Putin punk band.

Miley Cyrus Twerking, Usher as Michael Jackson & More Viral Videos |The Daily Beast Video |March 30, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
When the fighting began in the Balaclava plain on the morning of the 25th, it promptly started for the scene of action.

Camps, Quarters and Casual Places |Archibald Forbes

The very man she was in search of the first to speak to her on arrival here at Balaclava!

The Thin Red Line; and Blue Blood |Arthur Griffiths
As the anecdote will help to illustrate the relative positions of the predatory tribes of Balaclava, I will narrate it.

Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands |Mary Seacole
On another occasion, I had to take charge of a party of men (about forty), march them to Balaclava, to bring up blankets.

A Soldier's Experience or A Voice from the Ranks: Showing the Cost of War in Blood and Treasure |Timothy Gowing
Gallant as is the infantry it cannot win much ground faced by conditions such as the Light Brigade met at Balaclava.

Bulgaria |Frank Fox

Balaclava

/ (ˌbæləˈklɑːvə) /

(often not capitals) a close-fitting woollen hood that covers the ears and neck, as originally worn by soldiers in the Crimean War

C19: named after Balaklava