chignon

plural chignons

1. A roll or twist of hair worn at the nape of the neck; a bun.

   The chignon cannot be confounded with other artificialities which ladies put on and off.

   1867, “Chignonology”, in Living Age, volume 92, page 761

   3 more examples

   Madame du Barry could not merely be credited with inventing the chignons which bear her name.

   1914 [1878], Madame Du Barry, London: J. Long, translation of La du Barry by Edmond de Goncourt and Jules de Goncourt, page 88

   If I close my eyes I can see Marie today as I saw her then. Round, rosy face, snub nose, dark hair piled up in a chignon.

   1977, Agatha Christie, chapter 2, in An Autobiography, part II, London: Collins, →ISBN

   The physician should evaluate for a history of tight ponytails, buns, chignons, braids, twists, weaves, cornrows, dreadlocks, sisterlocks, and hair wefts in addition to the usage of religious hair coverings.

   2021, Becky S. Li, Howard I. Maibach, Ethnic Skin and Hair and Other Cultural Considerations, page 154

   Synonyms: bun, cock-up

2. medicineA temporary swelling on a neonate's head after a ventouse-assisted delivery.