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Topee

2 stages from Hindi to English.

Today it means A lightweight pith helmet, historically worn as protection from the sun in tropical climates.

Where does the word "topee" come from? It comes from Hindi topi, adopted directly into English (1835).

1
Stage 1 of 2
topi
Hindi · medieval
"a hat, cap"
the everyday word for a hat or cap
2
Stage 2 of 2
topee
English · 1835
"a lightweight pith sun helmet worn in the tropics"
British colonists borrowed the word, later specifically for the pith sun-helmet
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