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!

Waffensamlung, Austria: The extensive collection in Vienna, featuring a very large and high quality collection of Gothic and Maximillian armours. See also Armour, collections.

Wallace Collection: The collection in London featuring a wide variety of equipment. The prize piece in the collection is a full harness for horse and man of Gothic armour, one of the finest examples to be found anywhere. See also Armour, collections. The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1M 6BN. Visit their Website at http://www.demon.co.uk/heritage/wallace.

Whalebone, evidence for use as a tourney weapon: In the 1278 accounts of Edward I for the tournament held at Windsor, weapons of whalebone are mentioned alongside the cuirboille armour intended for the tourney. See also Behourds.

White Armour: The first complete cap à pied (head to foot) armours, popular during the 15th century. They were made chiefly in Italy and in Germany, two of the armouring capitals of Europe and exported throughout the continent. The name comes from the very high glossy white polish that was often put on the armour to protect it from rust and the elements.

Wing: The extension on a poleyn or couter to defend the joint of the knee or elbow, respectively, coming into use after 1350 or so. See also Arm harness and Leg harness.

Wrought iron: Iron relatively free from carbon and other impurities. Produced through the reduction of iron ore, or through the refining of cast iron.

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