Glossary

Almanzor [al/mn/zor] A Saracen chieftain.

Bezant [beznt] A gold coin of Byzantine origin.

Blazon [blayzn] A coat of arms.

Bliaut [blee/o] A tunic.

Boss A round metal knob at the centre of a shield.

Buckler A small round shield.

Byrnie [burnee] A long knee-length garment of leather, upon which metal rings were sewn in various patterns; for the protection of the body and the thighs in battle.

Caliph [ka(y)liff] A Saracen civil and religious leader.

Carl A villain.

Chain mail Armour made of small metal rings linked together.

Chausses [fr.] Mail leggings.

Coif [coyf] A skullcap worn under the helmet.

Cotte [cot] 1. A coat 2. A gown 3. A tunic.

Denier [den/ee/ay] A coin of little value; a penny.

Destrier [des/tree/ay] A war-horse; a charger.

Dromond [dromnd] A flat-bottomed barge.

Eme [eem] An uncle.

Emir [ameer] A Saracen prince or governor.

Esses Helmet adornments wrought in precious metal.

Fealty A feudal tenant’s fidelity to his lord.

Fief An estate held in fee by a vassal (q.v.) from a superior.

Geste [fr.] 1. A military exploit. 2. An epic narrative. 3. A clan

Gonfalon [gon/fa/lon] 1. A banner with streamers.

Haubergeon [haw/bur/jon] A sleevless coat of mail.

Hauberk [hawburk] 1.A long knee-length garment of chain mail (q.v.) for the protection of the body and the thighs in battle.

Jennet A small docile horse.

Jongleur [fr.] An itinerant musician.

Label A narrow strip superimposed on a coat of arms by an eldest son during the life of his father.

Liege lord A feudal superior.

Liegeman A sworn vassal (q.v.). A faithful follower.

Mangon [mangn] A gold coin worth two bezants (q.v.).

Matins A canonical hour of the breviary, ending at dawn.

Mewed Encaged; moulted.

Michaelmas [mick/l/muss] The feast of St. Michael (29th September).

Nielloed [nee/ell/ode] Enamelled black.

Olifant An ivory horn.

Oriflamme The sacred red banner of the abbey at Saint-Denis, Paris; traditionally handed to French kings upon the start of any war.

Paladin 1. One of the Twelve Peers of Charlemagne’s court 2. A knight errant; a champion.

Palfrey [pawlfree] A small docile horse.

Rowel [raowul] A spiked revolving disc at the end of a spur.

Sardon A quartz stone containing layers of onyx and sard.

Seizin [seazn] The possession or the taking possession of land by freehold.

Sendal [sen/dl] A fine silk material.

Solar An upper chamber.

Squire A knight’s attendant.

Sumpter A beast of burden.

Surcoat A flowing garment worn over armour.

Targe [targ] A small round shield.

Tonsure [tonshur] A part of a monk’s or priest’s head left bare on top by shaving off the hair.

Vassal A holder of land by feudal tenure.

Vavasour [va/va/sor] A vassal owing allegiance to a great lord and having other vassals under him.

Ventail [ventail] A flap of mail fastening across the mouth and lower face.

Vespers A canonical hour of the breviary. Ending at dusk.

Vièle [fr.] A five-stringed, lute-shaped instrument, played with a bow.

Villein [fr.] A peasant.

Wyvern [wivurn] A snake-shaped dart hurled by Saracen warriors.