A Roman Catholic cleric's skullcap: black for a priest, purple for a bishop, red for a cardinal, and white for the Pope.
‘Turbans, fezzes, yarmulkes and black lace veils, or mantillas, joined the zucchettos or skull caps of Catholic prelates on the basilica's steps in an extraordinary mix of religious and government leaders from around the world.’
Origen
Mid 19th century from Italian zucchetta, diminutive of zucca ‘gourd, head’.
Are You Learning English? Here Are Our Top English Tips