James Arlen Gillaspie

Artist Metalsmith       

Glossary of Medieval Armour and Armour-Related Terms

A - B
Armet to Burgonet

C
Campaign to Cullet

D - G
Early Middle Ages to Greave

H - K
Halberd to Knight

L - M
Lamellar Armour to Morion

N - R
Nasal Helm to Rondel

S
Sabaton to Sword

T - Z
Tang to White Armour

- S -

Sabaton
The part of a Knight's armour that covers the foot. [also Solleret]

Saddle
A seat for a rider fastened to an animal's back.

Sallet
A war helmet that replaced the bascinet in much of northern Europe during the mid-15th century. It only covers the upper part of the head and usually has a tail that protects the back of the neck.[also salade]

Scale Armour
Armour consisting of many small scales attached to a backing material of either leather or cloth.

Schynbalds
An early experiment in plate armour for the lower leg. Schynbalds were metal plates strapped over chausses.

Shield
A shield is a protective device, meant to intercept attacks. The term often refers to a device that is held in the hand. The materials of which it was made could vary considerably.

Shortsword
A compound word neologism used for referring to a sword shorter than a �standard� one yet longer than a dagger.

Skirmishers
Infantry or cavalry soldiers stationed ahead or alongside of a larger body of friendly troops. Usually placed in a skirmish line to either harass enemy troops or to protect their own troops from similar attacks by the enemy. Skirmishers are generally lightly armoured for increased battlefield mobility and are usually armed with missile weapons to attack the enemy from a great distance.

Soldier
A member of a nation's military.

Spaudlers, spaulders
Armored plates worn upon the arm in a suit of plate armour for protection of the upper arm and shoulder area. Developed in the Middle Ages, spaudlers continued to be worn well into the Renaissance, and are even crafted today for simulated combat.

Splint Armour
A form of armour primarily from Medieval Europe. The armour consists of strips of metal, or splints, which are attached to a fabric or leather backing or covering, or directly to mail. [also Splinted Armour]

Stirrups
A ring with a flat bottom fixed on a leather strap, usually hung from each side of a saddle by an adjustable strap to create a footrest for a person using a riding animal (usually a horse or other equine, such as a mule), used as a support for the foot of a rider when seated in the saddle and as an aid in mounting. Allowed for the increase in the weight of a rider's armour.

Strap
An elongated flap or ribbon usually made of fabric or leather, which in an arms and armour context are used to secure armour and weapons. [also Strop]

Sugarloaf Helm
Later variant of a Great Helm with a more conical top. Some had visors.

Surcoat
An outer garment commonly worn in the Middle Ages by both men and women. It can either refer to a coat worn over other garments or the outer garment of a person. The name derives from French meaning "over the cotta", a long, wide coat reaching down to the feet without sleeves. In the context of armour, it was worn over the armour and often bore an identifying device.

Sword
A long-edged piece of metal with a handle used as a cutting and thrusting weapon.

 

 

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