# pick out of a hat

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To determine by chance, especially by drawing lots.
2. To substitute a guess for unavailable data.

## Etymology
Referring to the impromptu use of one's hat as a receptacle for drawing paper lots from.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pick-out-of-a-hat