gambeson
English
Alternative forms
- gambison
Etymology
From Middle English gambison, from Old French gambeson, gambaison, from gambais, wambais (“quilted jerkin”), from Medieval Latin wambāsium (“doublet, waistcoat”), from Frankish *wamba (“abdomen, belly”), from Proto-Germanic *wambō (“belly, womb”): compare Middle High German wambeis, German Wams (“waistcoat, doublet”), from Old High German wamba (“stomach”). More at womb.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈɡæm.bɨ.sən/
Noun
gambeson (plural gambesons)
- (historical) A defensive garment formerly in use for the body, made of cloth stuffed and quilted.
- 1786: Although the gambeson was chiefly worn under the coat of mail, to protect the body from being bruised by the strokes of the sword or lance, a circumstance that migh happen without a division of the mail, the verses quoted in the Siege of Karleverok, shew that it was sometimes worn as a fur coat, and ornamented with rich decorations. — Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 18.
Translations
armor
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Anagrams
- bangsome, emo bangs