Chinstrap

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For the species of penguin, see Chinstrap Penguin.

A chinstrap is a thin beard that grows along the jaw / chin line, which was high fashion from the late-18th century through the mid-19th century in Europe, and later Russia and Japan.

It is called a chinstrap for the obvious reason that it forms a continuous line of hair from the hair on top of the head, along the jawline and then back up around on the other side of the jaw-appearing as a 'strap' of hair which is connected on both sides to the hair on top of the head.

Chinstraps tend to be short-haired and trimmed, in contrast with fuller beards.

A chinstrap is also a device that fastens headgear, such as helmets upon a wearers head, so as prevent the helmet from being dislodged in a fall.