This base type is derived from lat. *cappellus 'a kind of headgear' and is a diminutive of Latin cappa 'hat' (cf. FEW 2, 293 under cappellus). Originally, Latin *cappellus denoted various types of headgear. Wearing hats was actually foreign to the Romans. Only the common people who worked outside wore hats of various shapes and materials for protection. Originating from Latin, *cappellus, fra. chapeau, ita. cappèllo, roh. ( Engadine) tśapé and also fur. tśapel developed. According to Kramer (EWD II, 153), the root word lld. ćiapél 'hat' is purely a hereditary word. In our area it could also be found as a term for WHIPPED CREAM (map *cappellus). Derivations from Latin cappa were documented in names for the foam on cider or beer or for the skin that forms on boiled milk (cf. EWD II, 275). This metaphorical term for 'foam' has also developed in the Latin diminutive *cappellus (cf. EWD II, 291). This explains why *cappellus is also found to denote whipped cream. The metaphorical transfer of caput is similarly motivated.