In the 17th century, a famous French doctor, Charles de L’Orme, perfected the plague doctor mask, giving it the look we recognize today.

It was, in fact, a mask with a purpose. It was actually worn by doctors and physicians as a medical uniform, under the supposition it would have protected them from disease when they visited people infected.

In modern times they carry the impression of impending death, pestilence, and doom. They are also creepy beyond the reach of clean vocabulary.