Noah Webster
Bonnet
BON'NET, noun
1. A covering for the head, in common use before the introduction of hats. The word, as now used, signifies a cover for the head, worn by females, close at the sides, and projecting over the forehead.
2. In fortification, a small work with two faces, having only a parapet, with two rows of palisades about 10 or 12 feet distant. Generally it is raised above the salient angle of the counterscarp, and communicates with the covered way.
Bonnet a pretre, or priest's bonnet is an outwork, having at the head three salient angles and two inwards.
3. In sea language, an addition to sail, or an additional part laced to the foot of a sail, in small vessels, and in moderate winds.