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The Continental and Domestic influences on Scottish Arms and Armour from c.1100-1550.

Incorporating an investigation into the craftsmen and the influence of the Crown in arms manufacturing and importation.

Ewan J. Innes, MA(Hons Scot. Hist.) FSA Scot

© 1993

Synopsis:  This essay describes the various influences on domestically produced arms and armour in Scotland and in particular the role that foreign craftsmen recruited by the crown played.

Please see my copyright policy if you wish to cite any part of this essay.

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Aketon: Quilted coat, worn either by itself or under armour.

Arming jacket: Padded jacket sometimes reinforced with mail. Worn as protection under armour.

Basinet: Conical shaped helmet, often fitted with visor and bevor.

Bevor: Chin defence

Brigandine: Jacket reinforced with riveted metal plates.

Chausses: Leggings of mail

Coif: Mail hood worn under helmet

Gisarme: Long shafted weapon with a broad axe blade.

Glaive: Long shafted weapon with a long narrow blade.

Greave: Plate shin defence.

Habergeon: Mail coat although lighter than a hauberk.

Halberd: Long shafted weapon with a spear and axe blade.

Harness: The correct term for the complete "suit of armour".

Hauberk: Mail coat.

Jack: Jacket reinforced with metal plates.

Jedwart Staff: Long shafted weapon similar to a glaive with a long narrow cutting edge tapering to a point.

Kettle-hat: Basin shaped iron hat usually with a narrow brim and similar to British WWI & II "tin hats".

Langet: Metal tongue extended from the hilt up the blade to strengthen it.

Leith Axe: A type of long shafted weapon.

Lochaber Axe: Long shafted weapon usually with a broad cutting blade and a bill hook.

Morion: Metal cap of semi-oval outline with a flat rim.

Pisane: Mail defence for either the neck and shoulders or head and shoulders.

Quillions: The cross guard seperating hilt from blade.

Tang: The piece of metal which passes through the hilt from the blade into the pommel.

| Glossary | 1 | 2 | 3 | Bibliography | Printer Friendly |