Arms and Armour
Glossary of Terms


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The glossary is meant as a growing resource for students, re-enactors, and anyone interested in knighthood, chivalry, or the medieval tournament. The current page is but a brief listing of what we would like to have on the page; if you would be interested in helping with a given area, such as in heraldry, transcribing tournament accounts, translations, or research, drop the author an email at brion@chronique.com. Additionally, we would like to expand many of the definitions here; if you want to try one or more of them send your submissions to the email address above--we can use the help!

Kettle-hat: (See Chapel de Fer)

Kienbusch Collection (Philadelphia): One of the most valuable collections in the United States, featuring many fine, unique pieces. Housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Main Museum number, 215.763.8100. Website.

Klappvisier: The first visored defense for the bascinet, originated in the German states. The klappvisier featured a pointed (pignose) or rounded (roundnose) snout to deflect arrows and bolts and a raised area around the eyes. It first defended the area of the face not already defended by the aventail. As visor design developed, the central-mount system gradually gave way to the side-mounted system that was to dominate for the next two centuries on bascinets, great bascinets, armets, and finally, close helmets.

Knees, defense of: Defended by leg harnesses and poleyns.

Knee Cops: (see Poleyns)

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