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Glite Dictionary
ventail

ventail

1 9.9
Piece of armor made from small metal rings that hangs from a helmet to protect face and neck
  • noun
  • Archaic
: ventail
  • The ventail was essential for protecting a knight’s face during combat.

Examples

  • Historians studied the intricately woven mail of the ventail to understand medieval armor construction.

  • The knight lowered his ventail before entering the battlefield.

  • The knight wore a ventail to protect his face.

  • During battle, a ventail is crucial for safety.

  • The knight adjusted his ventail to better protect his face during the battle.

  • In addition to the helmet, the suit of armor included a ventail for added defense against enemy blows.

  • The historical exhibit featured a damaged ventail that was part of a decorative helmet from the 14th century.

Synonyms

aventail
vsventail
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A piece of armor made of small metal rings attached to a helmet that protects the neck and lower head

focuses on the lower face and throat rather than the top of the head
beaver
vsventail
  • Archaic
9.9

A metal flap on a helmet that protects the lower part of the face

also protects neck and throat rather than only the lower face
camail
vsventail
  • Archaic
9.9

A curtain of metal rings attached to a helmet to protect the neck and shoulders

protects the lower face and throat rather than the shoulders

Surface Forms

ventail singular
ventails plural

Etymology

Ventail comes from Old French and originally meant a small 'flap' or 'cover' on a helmet, like a little fan of mail under the face. So a ventail is the mail flap that hangs from a helmet to protect the lower face and neck.