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Glossary of Period Terms

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Arpent. A unit of measurement in pre-revolutionary France equivalent to approximately 72 meters or 78 yards.

Arquebus. A shoulder-fired gun with a medium barrel length, similar in size to a modern rifle.

Braies. Knee-length, linen undergarments worn by men; usually held closed with lacing at the top.

Bubo. A swollen lymph node that often resembles a large blister and usually occurs on the neck, armpits, or groin. Buboes are a symptom of several diseases including the Black Death, or bubonic plague.

Caliver. A shoulder-fired gun similar to an arquebus, but with a standardized bore diameter which allowed for standardized bullets.

Cat o' nine tails. A whip with nine slender lashes, designed to inflict pain and break the skin during corporal punishment.

Champron. A piece of armor used to cover and protect a horse's head.

Chariot branlant. A heavy carriage suspended over the wheels and axles with chains to provide a smoother ride.

Chasuble. A sleeveless outer vestment worn by a Catholic priest when saying Mass.

Cope. A cloak or mantle worn by a Catholic priest, open at the front and fastened at the chest with a band or clasp.

Cuirass. A piece of armor consisting of a breastplate and a backplate fastened together.

Doublet. A man's snug-fitting, buttoned jacket, usually waist or hip-length and worn over a loose linen shirt.

Jerkin. A short, close-fitting leather men's jacket without sleeves, worn over a doublet.

Main gauche. A dagger designed to be used in the left hand, in conjunction with a sword held in the right hand. Useful for attacking, parrying, and trapping an opponent's sword. Also called a parrying dagger.

Match cord. A slow-burning fuse made of twine or cord, used in the firing mechanism of matchlock weapons like muskets. Also called slow match.

Mattock. An instrument for loosening soil, resembling a pickaxe, but with a broad, chisel-like edge.

Musket rest. A tall fork used to brace the heavy barrel of the long, smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded firearm called a musket while firing it.

Palliasse. A straw mattress.

Rapier. A slender, long-bladed sword with a sharp point and an intricate hilt. Used mainly for thrusting attacks.

Schiavona. A two-edged sword with a distinctive "cat's head" pommel and a basket hilt. Though broader and heavier than a rapier, it was still light enough to be used one handed, as both a cutting and thrusting weapon.

Spaulder. A piece of armor used to cover and protect the shoulder area.

Vambrace. A piece of armor used to cover and protect the forearm.