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BASINET (a diminutive of " basin ")
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BASINET (a diminutive of " basin "), a form of helmet or headpiece. The original small basinet was a light open cap, with a peaked crown. This was used alternately to, and even in conjunction with, the large heavy heaume. But in the latter half of the 13th century the basinet was developed into a complete war head-dress and replaced the heaume. In this form it was larger and heavier, had a vizor (though not always a pivoted vizor like that of the later armet), and was connected with the gorget by a " camail " or mail hood, the head and neck thus being entirely covered. It is always to be recognized by its peaked crown. The word is spelt in various forms, " bassinet," " bascinet," " bacinet," or " basnet." The form bassinet " is used for the hooded wicker cradle or perambulator for babies.