† ˈcatercap Obs.
[f. cater n.2 four, referring to the four-cornered top + cap.]
The square cap worn by academics. Cf. cap n.1 4 e. Hence transf. A wearer of a catercap, a university man.
| 1588 Marprel. Epist. (Arb.) 44 You presbyter Iohn Cater⁓cap are some man in the land. 1589 Nashe Almond for P. 5 a, They [Sir Peter and Sir Paul] were none of these Cartercaps, Graduates, nor Doctors. 1691 Wood Ath. Oxon. I. 228 He feareth neither proud Priest, Antichristian Pope, Tyrannous Prelate, nor godless Catercap. |
Hence † ˈcater-capt, a., wearing a catercap, academic. Obs.
| a 1669 Bp. H. King Poems & Ps. (1843) Pref. 50 A proud prelate..and a most pragmaticall malignant against the parliament, as all his cater-capt companions also are. |