leghorn

plural leghorns · alternative Leghorn

1. uncountableA type of dried plaited wheat straw fabric.
2. countableA type of hat made from Leghorn straw.

   When straw-hats had become unfashionable, Mrs. Nollekens hinted to old White, the hatter […], that possibly he could accommodate her with a Leghorn hat at a moderate rate.

   1828, JT Smith, Nollekens and His Times, Century Hutchinson, published 1986, page 65

   1 more example

   The difference between the two classifications has always been intended to cover unblocked and untrimmed hat bodies, such as panamas, bangkoks, and leghorns, and other hats which are woven by the natives in South American and oriental countries where they are produced.

   1918, Schedules M and N, free list, customs administration and income tax; subject index, page 1515

3. countableA small white chicken of a hardy breed.

1. datedThe city of Livorno in Italy.

   Leghorn was the nearest port of consequence, […] the most likely of any in Italy to assist their plan. (III, ix)

   1794, Ann Radcliffe, Mysteries of Udolpho

plural Leghorns

1. Alternative letter-case form of leghorn.

   Among the light breeds there are probably more good strains of White Leghorn than any other variety. The Brown Leghorn is not quite so popular but is capable of high yields …. The Black Leghorn is another breed which has enjoyed popularity.

   1962, C. Arthur Pearson, Pictorial Poultry-Keeping, 2nd edition, Cox & Wyman Ltd, page 42