bassinet

Etymology

From French bassinet, superficially a diminutive of bassin (“basin”). Klein, however, suggests an origin from French bercelonette (itself a double diminutive of berceau (“cradle”)), with influence from bassin.

noun

1. A newborn baby's bed, traditionally made of woven reeds or straw.
   The next day, the baby sleeps in a bassinet near my bed. 2020, Avni Doshi, Burnt Sugar, Hamish Hamilton, page 198
2. A bascinet (type of helmet).
   Bassinets were worn in the reigns of Edward II. and III. and Richard II. by most of the English Infantry, as may be repeatedly seen in the Rolls of Parliament, and other public records. 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 11
   Alleyne stood by the tiller, looking backwards, the fresh wind full in his teeth, the crisp winter air tingling on his face and blowing his yellow curls from under his bassinet. 1891, Arthur Conan Doyle, The White Company, chapter 16