A toque (pronounced /tok/) is a type of hat with a narrow brim or no brim at all. They were popular from the 13th to the 16th century in Europe, especially France. One toque that is still common is the toque-blanche , which is the standard chef's hat. The term comes from the Spanish word toca.
The spelling (pronounced /tuk/) is often used for the tuque, an originally French-Canadian woolen hat worn in winter. This "fashion" originated when coureurs des bois kept their woollen nightcaps on for warmth during cold winter days. The Canadian Oxford Dictionary regards the two words as being etymologically unrelated, with the "toque" spelling for this type of hat being as a result of assimilation.
See also: toque (rhythm) for the rhythm associated with a specific orisha in the Santería religion.
