subs. (old).—A nickname for a citizen of London. [In Henry the Eight’s time flat round caps were the pink of fashion; but when their date was out, they became ridiculous. The citizens continued to wear them long after they were generally disused, and were often satirized for their fidelity].

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  1598.  JONSON, Every Man in his Humour, ii. 1.

                        Mock me all over,
From my FLAT-CAP unto my shining shoes.

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  1602.  DEKKER, The Honest Whore [DODSLEY, Old Plays, iii. 304]. i. 7. Come, sirrah, you FLAT-CAP, where be those whites?

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  1605.  MARSTON, The Dutch Courtezan, ii., 1. Wealthy FLAT-CAPS, that pay for their pleasure the best of any men in Europe.

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  1613.  BEAUMONT and FLETCHER, The Honest Man’s Fortune, v. 3.

          Mal.  Trade! to the city, child:
A FLAT CAP will become thee.

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