WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
ˈbrass ˈhat, n. [countable] Informal.
  1. Slang Termsa top-ranking army or navy officer:The soldiers all dreaded the arrival of the brass hats.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
brass′ hat′, [Slang.]
  1. Slang Termsa person in a high position, esp. a top-ranking army or navy officer.
  • 1890–95

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
brass hat
  1. a top-ranking official, esp a military officer
Etymology: 20th Century: from the gold leaf decoration on the peaks of caps worn by officers of high rank
'brass hat' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
brass

Forum discussions with the word(s) "brass hat" in the title:


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