colloq. [f. BOWL sb.2, quasi bowl-hat.] A low-crowned stiff felt hat, a ‘billy-cock.’ Also bowler-hat.

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1861.  Sat. Rev., 21 Sept., 297. We are informed that he … wore, or rather carried in his hand, a white bowler hat.

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1882.  Pebody, Eng. Journalism, xxi. 158. The Ministers, in bowlers and pea-jackets, are to be found upon the shore of highland lochs.

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