Is There a Story Behind “Having a Nightcap”?
The first definition of “nightcap” is a literal one: A nightcap is a sleeping cap worn to bed. Long before central heating, bedchambers could be chilly at night and head coverings provided some protection. There’s also a long tradition of wearing nightcaps to protect hairstyles from damage. The Oxford English
Dictionary notes the nighttime headwear has been common since at least the late 14th century, when “nightcappes” were first referenced in print. In the 19th century, the term moved from the wardrobe to the bar cart as “nightcap” took on a new meaning as an alcoholic drink enjoyed in the...
