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Glite Dictionary
gambeson

gambeson

9.9
A padded jacket worn under metal armor in medieval times
  • noun
  • /ˈɡæmbəˌsɒn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : gambesón
  • The knight wore a thick gambeson beneath his metal armor for extra protection.

Examples

  • He wore a gambeson under his chainmail.

  • A well-made gambeson could absorb the impact of sword blows during battle.

  • Before donning his chain mail, he put on a padded gambeson to cushion his body.

  • The gambeson was made of thick wool.

  • Foot soldiers, including archers, wore a padded jacket called a gambeson that helped soften the impact of blows during battle.

  • The knight donned a heavy gambeson beneath his armor for extra protection in the tournament.

  • In medieval battles, a gambeson was crucial for soldiers as it provided essential padding against weapons.

How Protective

plate armor
  • Specialized
8.0
chain mail
4 8.6
voider
  • Archaic
9.9
gambeson
  • Archaic
9.9
leather
509 1.0

Surface Forms

gambeson singular
gambesons plural

Etymology

Gambeson comes from an old French word gambeson meaning 'padded garment', and it was the thick, padded jacket knights wore under or instead of metal armor to cushion blows. That's why a gambeson today means a padded protective jacket used for defence.