from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hat \Hat\ (h[a^]t), n. [AS. h[ae]t, h[ae]tt; akin to Dan. hat,
Sw. hatt, Icel. hattr a hat, h["o]ttr hood, D. hoed hat, G.
hut, OHG. huot, and prob. to L. cassis helmet. [root]13. Cf.
{Hood}.]
A covering for the head; esp., one with a crown and brim,
made of various materials, and worn by men or women for
protecting the head from the sun or weather, or for ornament.
[1913 Webster]
{Hat block}, a block on which hats are formed or dressed.
{To pass around the hat}, to take up a collection of
voluntary contributions, which are often received in a
hat. [Colloq.] --Lowell.
[1913 Webster]