Definition of "beanie"

[JLibourel]

I have always understood the term "beanie" to refer to a small skullcap on the order of the yarmulke worn by devout Jews or the zucchetto worn by members of the Roman Catholic Clergy.

In recent years, I have heard the term applied to knit headgear of the type I always referred to as a "watch cap." For example, in today's paper I saw a question about why country music star Zach Brown always wears a "beanie." His customary headgear looks like what I'd call a "watch cap." I have seen this usage elsewhere. Could any of you young bucks in SW&D please enlighten me on this point?

 

[ahjota]

Beanie, tuque, watch cap. All may refer to the same, interestingly enough.