Habberdasher. [A term which meant originally "peddlers' wares," or the contents of a peddler's bag; derived from German Habtihrdas, "Have you this?" - a phrase which peddlers formerly used when offering their wares for sale] A dealer in small wares; specifically a dealer in small articles of dress, as neckties, collars, ribbons, trimmings, thread, pins, needles, etc.; also a dealer in hats. In the north of England habberdasher means a schoolmaster. The word is sometimes used in this country to describe a dealer in hats, caps and furnishing goods, for men.