Cap and bells explained

The cap and bells is a type of fool's cap with bells worn by a court fool or jester.[1] The bells were also added to the dangling sleeves and announced the appearance of the jester.

Forms

The cap and bells could be in the following forms:[2]

Other forms of fool's cap in England were shaped like a monk's cowl with ass's ears, a high-pointed cap covered with bells, or a round cap with an imposing feather.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged
  2. Lucy Barton, Historic Costumes for the Stage, p. 221
  3. , p. 113
  4. Esther . Singleton . The Court Jesters of England . . 11 . 1891 . 445.