Shakoes (ˈʃeɪkoʊz) is a rare plural form of the word "shako", which is a type of military cap with a visor and plume. The spelling of "shakoes" follows the English language convention of adding "-es" to a word ending in "-o" to indicate the plural. However, the pronunciation of "shako" and "shakoes" differ, with the former being pronounced as /ˈʃækəʊ/ and the latter as /ˈʃeɪkoʊz/. Despite its infrequent usage, "shakoes" remains a legitimate spelling option when referring to multiple shakos.
Shakoes, also spelled as "shako" in its singular form, refer to a type of military headdress or hat worn by soldiers as part of their uniform in the past. The term "shakoes" is the plural form of this noun.
A shako is typically made of stiffened fabric or felt, with a tall, cylindrical shape, and a flat or slightly slanted top. It usually features a visor or a peak at the front, providing some protection from the elements. Historically, shakoes were commonly worn by military personnel during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly by soldiers in European armies.
Shakoes are often associated with infantry regiments, as they were a distinctive element of their uniform, symbolizing discipline and rank. Many versions of shakoes exist, differing in shape, material, and embellishments, depending on the specific army or regiment. Some shakoes may include decorative elements like plumes, cockades, or badges that indicate rank or affiliation.
While shakoes have largely fallen out of use in modern military uniforms, they remain an important part of historical reenactments, museum collections, and ceremonial occasions. They are also frequently depicted in period films and artworks, serving as a visual reminder of the military fashion and tradition prevalent in earlier eras.
The word "shakoes" is derived from the French word "chacot", which entered English in the early 19th century. "Chacot" itself can be traced back to the Italian "ciocchetta", meaning "small cap". The word "shakoes" refers to a type of military hat with a tall crown and a plume or pom-pom worn by soldiers in the 18th and 19th centuries.