Definition of "balaclava" [balaclava]

• A warm woolen hood covering the head and neck, worn especially by mountain climbers and skiers. (noun)
• A similarly styled hood often covering the shoulders, as worn by soldiers and sailors or as protective clothing. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "He was clad in woodsy camouflage and had pulled what she called a balaclava over his head, concealing all save his eyes and mouth under its khaki wool."
• "By virty, December 4, 2009 @ 11: 42 am phillip island and sandringham pubs have great counter lunches. then theres this old mate in balaclava who does authentic greek fare … …. gotta fly, ride day at the track.v. By Nautilus, December 4, 2009 @ 12: 10 pm"
• "The balaclava is a safety requirement and drivers have been penalised for not wearing the garment in the past but Whincup said he had no reason to be concerned."