What does capuche mean?
Capuche is a rare English noun meaning a close-fitting cap or hood, especially the cowl worn by a monk. The word survives mainly in dictionaries, historical descriptions, and literary or antiquarian contexts rather than ordinary modern speech. When used, it is specific and formal: a capuche is not simply any loose head covering but a fitted, hood-like covering associated especially with religious dress. Its unusual spelling and pronunciation make it memorable, and its history connects the English word with French capuche and Spanish capucha, both of which trace ultimately to Latin caput, “head.” The underlying metaphor is fitting: what covers the head becomes a word for a covering for the head. Related descendants of Latin caput include cap, capsule, capital, and capuchin. In a readable sentence, “The monk pulled his capuche low against the winter wind” conveys the word's historical and religious associations, although it would sound more natural in a period setting than in contemporary conversation.
nounA close-fitting cap or hood, especially a monk's cowl.
- A close-fitting cap or hood, especially a monk's cowl.
"The monk's capuche cast a deep shadow across his bowed face."
"The monk's capuche cast a deep shadow across his bowed face."
"She sketched the old monk wearing a brown capuche."
The regular plural of a rare or archaic noun.
"The collection included several brown capuches."
Capuche means a hood, and its Latin ancestor literally means “head”—a tidy reminder that a word can travel from “head” to “hood” in a few etymological steps.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does capuche come from?
Capuche entered English in the early 19th century from French capuche, which was borrowed from Spanish capucha. These forms ultimately derive from Latin caput, “head,” through a history of referring to a covering for the head. Cognates such as cap, capsule, capital, and capuchin continue the same Latin inheritance, although capuchin developed through French and Italian.
How capuche is actually used
Rare and now chiefly found in historical, religious, and literary contexts. In older usage, it may refer specifically to the cowl worn by a monk.
Easily confused with capuche
A capuche is the hood or cowl itself, whereas a capuchin is a hooded friar or, in zoology, a New World monkey.