3. A woman. [This sense is analogous to ‘petticoat,’ the names of
articles of feminine attire being transferred to the wearer.]
1880. Punch’s Almanac, p. 3. Then comes Easter, Got some coin in
hand, Trot a bonnet out and do the grand.
Verb (common).—1. To act as a bonnet (q.v.); to cheat; to puff; to
‘bear up’ (q.v.).
1871. ‘Hawk’s-Eye,’ Budget of Turf Notes, p. 2. I could point out
now what horses he is bonneting for the 2,000 Guineas and Derby of
this year, and the horses whose pretensions he is trying to
discredit.
1887. Referee, 15 May, p. 1, col. 3. Nobody can suppose that I am
anxious to bonnet for the Times newspaper.