crownpiece: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “crownpiece” mean?
1. The central top part of a horse's bridle that goes over its head, behind the ears.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1. The central top part of a horse's bridle that goes over its head, behind the ears. 2. A historical British coin (the crown) of a specific issue or year.
1. Any topmost or central connecting piece in a structure or mechanism. 2. A piece or part forming the highest or culminating point of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In equestrian context, both use it. The numismatic sense (historical coin) is predominantly British due to the 'crown' being a British coin.
Connotations
Both: technical/specialist term. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to the numismatic sense.
Grammar
How to Use “crownpiece” in a Sentence
The [material] crownpiece [verb: sits/fits/rests] behind the horse's ears.A [date] crownpiece is valuable.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crownpiece” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [The term is not used as a verb.]
American English
- [The term is not used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [The term is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [The term is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- [The term is not used as a standalone adjective. Can be noun adjunct as in 'crownpiece stitching'.]
American English
- [The term is not used as a standalone adjective. Can be noun adjunct as in 'crownpiece leather'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical/numismatic papers or veterinary/equestrian studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used by horse riders/owners or coin collectors.
Technical
Standard term in saddlery/equipment manuals and numismatic catalogues.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crownpiece”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crownpiece”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crownpiece”
- Spelling as two words: 'crown piece'. In modern usage, it's typically one word.
- Confusing with 'crown' (the coin itself) or 'crowning piece' (metaphorical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern standard dictionaries, it is typically listed as one word: 'crownpiece'.
Its primary meanings are those. It can be used metaphorically for a topmost piece (e.g., in architecture or jewellery), but this is rare and highly contextual.
In modern saddlery, they are often synonymous, both referring to the strap going over the poll. 'Headpiece' is sometimes considered more formal, while 'crownpiece' is very common in practical use.
Yes, but it's more specific than just 'crown'. It often implies a focus on the specific piece/issue, as in 'a crownpiece from the 1951 Festival of Britain issue'.
1. The central top part of a horse's bridle that goes over its head, behind the ears.
Crownpiece is usually formal, technical in register.
Crownpiece: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkraʊnpiːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkraʊnˌpis/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None in common use. The word itself is too technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CROWN on a horse's head: the CROWNPIE CE is the strap that sits like a crown behind its ears.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE TOPMOST CONNECTING PART IS A CROWN. (The piece that 'crowns' or completes the structure at the top.)
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'crownpiece' LEAST likely to be used?