peruke crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "peruke" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all possible solutions categorized by their length, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "peruke crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

WIG: A covering for the head made of natural or artificial hair, often worn for fashion or to conceal baldness.

6 Letters

TOUPEE: A small wig, especially one worn to cover a bald spot.

7 Letters

PERIWIG: An archaic term for a wig, particularly a formal, often powdered one, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.

More About "peruke crossword clue"

A peruke, more commonly known today as a wig, is an artificial covering of hair worn on the head. These accessories have a rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations, but they gained significant prominence in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. During this period, perukes, often elaborate and powdered, became symbols of social status and fashion among the aristocracy and legal professions.

Originally, perukes were made from human hair, horsehair, or even goat hair, intricately styled and often scented. They served various purposes, from indicating rank to covering baldness or simply as a fashion statement. The trend gradually declined after the French Revolution, but wigs continue to be used in specific contexts, such as theatrical performances, legal settings (like British barristers' wigs), and for medical reasons.

Understanding the historical context of terms like "peruke" is often key to solving more challenging crossword puzzles. Crossword constructors love to use words with rich etymological backgrounds or those that have fallen out of common usage but are still part of the historical lexicon.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the word "peruke"?

The word "peruke" comes from the French "perruque," which itself derived from the Old Italian "perrucca," meaning a "head of hair" or "wig."

Are "peruke" and "wig" the same thing?

Yes, "peruke" is an older, more formal term for a wig, particularly referring to the elaborate styles popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. In modern usage, "wig" is the more common term.

Why are perukes/wigs still used in some professions?

In some legal systems, particularly in the United Kingdom and former British colonies, wigs are still worn by judges and barristers as a tradition representing anonymity, impartiality, and a link to judicial history.