Cap-a-pie is an adverb meaning from head to foot, originating from French and often used metaphorically.
Cap-a-pie (kap-uh-PEE) is an adverb meaning from head to foot. It originates from the French phrase "de cap a pé," meaning "from head to foot," and is often used metaphorically to describe being completely covered or equipped.
| Word | cap-a-pie |
|---|---|
| Date | August 30, 2014 |
| Type | adverb |
| Syllables | kap-uh-PEE |
| Etymology | Think of a medieval knight riding off to battle completely encased (from head to foot, as it were) in armor. Knights thus outfitted were said to be "armed cap-a-pie." The term cap-a-pie, which has been used in English since at least the 16th century, descends from the Middle French phrase de cap a pé, meaning "from head to foot." Nowadays, it is generally extended to more figurative armor, as in "armed cap-a-pie against criticism." Cap-a-pie has also been credited with parenting another English phrase. Some people think the expression "apple-pie order," meaning "perfect order," may have originated as a corruption of "cap-a-pie order." The evidence for that theory is far from orderly, however, and it must be regarded as speculative. |
| Examples | The birthday girl-dressed cap-a-pie as a princess, from tiara to sequined slippers-waited excitedly for her guests to arrive. "It's only in cartoons that crows have yellow beaks and feet. They are of one shade cap-a-pie, black as midnight and fleet of wing." - M. D. Harmon, Portland Press Herald (Maine), January 5, 2004 |
| Definition | : from head to foot |
Tags: wordoftheday::adverb
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