Wimple
/ˈwɪm.pəl/noun
A cloth covering worn around the head, neck, and often the chin, especially by medieval women or nuns.
Did you know?In medieval Christian art, the wimple often signaled a woman’s modesty or marital status, while nuns continued wearing versions of it as part of religious dress.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wimpilaz
“A veil or head covering; the ultimate form is Germanic, though its deeper origin is uncertain.”
Old English
Old English
wimpel
“A woman’s head covering or veil.”
12th Century
Middle English
wimpel
“A cloth covering for the head and neck.”
14th Century
Middle English
wimple
“A veil or folded cloth worn around the head, throat, and chin.”
Modern English
English
wimple
“A traditional head-and-neck covering, especially one associated with medieval women and nuns.”