capuchin

[ kap-yoo-chin, -shin ]
/ ˈkæp yʊ tʃɪn, -ʃɪn /

noun

a Central and South American monkey, Cebus capucinus, having a prehensile tail and hair on the head resembling a cowl.
any monkey of the genus Cebus.
a hooded cloak for women.
(initial capital letter) Also called Friar Minor Capuchin. Roman Catholic Church. a friar belonging to the branch of the Franciscan order that observes vows of poverty and austerity. Compare Friar Minor, Friar Minor Conventual.
Also called ringtail monkey (for defs 1, 2).

Origin of capuchin

1590–1600; < Middle French < Italian cappuccino, equivalent to cappucc(io) capuche + -ino -ine1

Example sentences from the Web for capuchin

British Dictionary definitions for capuchin (1 of 2)

capuchin
/ (ˈkæpjʊtʃɪn, -ʃɪn) /

noun

any agile intelligent New World monkey of the genus Cebus, inhabiting forests in South America, typically having a cowl of thick hair on the top of the head
a woman's hooded cloak
(sometimes capital) a rare variety of domestic fancy pigeon

Word Origin for capuchin

C16: from French, from Italian cappuccino, from cappuccio hood; see capuche

British Dictionary definitions for capuchin (2 of 2)

Capuchin
/ (ˈkæpjʊtʃɪn, ˈkæpjʊʃɪn) /

noun

  1. a friar belonging to a strict and autonomous branch of the Franciscan order founded in 1525
  2. (as modifier)a Capuchin friar

Word Origin for Capuchin

C16: from French; see capuche