\Chap"er*on\, n. [F. chaperon. See {Chape}, {Cape},
{Cap}.]
1. A hood; especially, an ornamental or an official hood.
         His head and face covered with a chaperon, out of
         which there are but two holes to look through.
                                               --Howell.
2. A device placed on the foreheads of horses which draw the
   hearse in pompous funerals.
3. A matron who accompanies a young lady in public, for
   propriety, or as a guide and protector.

\Chap"er*on\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Chaperoned}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Chaperoning}.] [Cf. F. chaperonner, fr. chaperon.]
To attend in public places as a guide and protector; to
matronize.
      Fortunately Lady Bell Finley, whom I had promised to
      chaperon, sent to excuse herself.        --Hannah More.