from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Whitecap \White"cap`\, n.
1. (Zool.)
(a) The European redstart; -- so called from its white
forehead.
(b) The whitethroat; -- so called from its gray head.
(c) The European tree sparrow.
[1913 Webster]
2. A wave whose crest breaks into white foam, as when the
wind is freshening.
[1913 Webster]
3. A member of a self-appointed vigilance committee
attempting by lynch-law methods to drive away or coerce
persons obnoxious to it. Some early ones wore white hoods
or masks. [U. S.] -- {White"cap`}, v. -- {White"cap`per},
n.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]