Pronunciation: [wˈɪmpə͡l] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Whimple" can be a bit tricky due to the silent "h." The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈwɪmpəl/. The "wh" in this word is pronounced as a /w/ sound, which is why the "h" is silent. The rest of the word is pronounced as it looks, with a short "i" sound and a stressed accent on the first syllable. Overall, the word "Whimple" is pronounced as "WIM-puhl."
Whimple is a noun that refers to a type of head covering or headdress, typically worn by women, which consists of a white linen or muslin cloth that is folded and wrapped around the head, often covering the hair. The name "whimple" is derived from the Middle English word "wimple" and Old English word "wimpel," both meaning a veil or fabric covering for the head.
Traditionally, the whimple was worn by married women as a sign of modesty and conformance to societal norms. It was commonly worn in Europe, especially during medieval times, and had variations in different regions and cultures. The whimple usually covered the head, neck, and sometimes even part of the face, leaving only the face visible. It was secured in place with pins or ties, which varied in design and material based on personal preference or social status.
The whimple served various purposes, primarily focusing on concealing a woman's hair, which was seen as a symbol of femininity and often considered to be an enticing feature. Moreover, the whimple also functioned as a protective barrier against dust, wind, and other environmental factors. Additionally, it played a role in maintaining social decorum and modesty by covering the head, which was regarded as a respectable practice.
Although the whimple is not widely worn in contemporary times, it still holds cultural and historical significance. It is often associated with medieval portrayals in artworks, literature, and theatrical productions that aim to convey a sense of historical accuracy or evoke nostalgia for a particular era.
The etymology of the word "whimple" can be traced back to Middle English and Old English. In Middle English, it was spelled as "wimple", derived from the Old English word "wimpel" or "winpel". The word then evolved from Old English to Middle English as "whimble" or "whimple".
The original meaning of "wimple" in Old English referred to a piece of cloth used to cover the neck, chin, and sometimes the head, worn by women as a headdress. It was often worn beneath a veil and was commonly used during the medieval period. The word is also linked to the Latin word "vimpilum", which had a similar meaning.
Over time, the usage and spelling of "wimple" evolved, and the variation "whimple" became more prevalent, especially in the Scottish dialect.
