| a soft, conical cap given to a freed slave in ancient Rome at manumission of his servitude, used as a symbol of liberty, esp. since the 18th century. |
| liberty cap n. A brimless, limp, conical cap fitting snugly around the head and given to a slave in ancient Rome upon manumission. It was used as a symbol of liberty by the French revolutionaries and was also worn in the United States before 1800. Also called Phrygian cap. |
