Cockle Hat

A pilgrim’s hat. Warburton says, as the chief places of devotion were beyond sea, or on the coasts, pilgrims used to put cockle-shells upon their hats, to indicate that they were pilgrims. Cockles are symbols of St. James, patron saint of Spain. Cockle=scallop, as in heraldry.

“And how shall I your true love know

From many another one?

Oh, by his cockle hat and staff,

And by his sandal shoon.”

Beaumont and Fletcher: The Friar of Orders Grey.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.