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"The shield carried by a mounted man-at-arms in the middle ages; especially, the triangular shield of no great length carried during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, and hung around the neck by the guige, so as to cover the left arm and left side." -Whitney, 1911

Écu

"The shield carried by a mounted man-at-arms in the middle ages; especially, the triangular shield of…

"In armor, the devices, more or less elaborate according to according to the period, etc., serving to protect the shoulder, or to connect breastplate and backpiece at the shoulder. e, Épaulière, about 1425." -Whitney, 1911

Épaulière

"In armor, the devices, more or less elaborate according to according to the period, etc., serving to…

A chief of a Frankish tribe, wearing full battle armor. He stands looking to his right holding a long spear, Germanic spear, in his left hand and a short axe in his right. A decorated shield rest on his left hip and a cape rests on his shoulders. His hair is in long braids and his helmet is tall and pointed, resembling a crown. His sandals wrap around his leg up to his knee.

A Frankish Chief in Full Armor

A chief of a Frankish tribe, wearing full battle armor. He stands looking to his right holding a long…

Illustration of a Roman soldier, also called a legionary, carrying a shield, short sword, and a short javelin for throwing. He is wearing sandals, traditional armor, and a helmet.

A Roman Soldier, or Legionary, with a Short Javelin and Shield

Illustration of a Roman soldier, also called a legionary, carrying a shield, short sword, and a short…

Man waring Ocreae, or greaves. (From the Aeginetan Marbles)

Aeginetan Marbles

Man waring Ocreae, or greaves. (From the Aeginetan Marbles)

"A breastplate covered with metal in the form of scales, not used to support the shield, as was done with the more ancient aegis, but extending equally on both sides, from shoulder to shoulder." — Anthon, 1891

Aegis

"A breastplate covered with metal in the form of scales, not used to support the shield, as was done…

"A clasp or hook, used in armor or in ordinary costume, fastening in the same manner as the modern hook and eye, often made into a large and rich ornament by concealing the hook itself beneath a jeweled, engraved, embossed, or enameled plate."-Whitney, 1902

Agraffe

"A clasp or hook, used in armor or in ordinary costume, fastening in the same manner as the modern hook…

"A net-like woolen garment worn by bachanals and soothsayers in ancient Greece. Image: Toso of Apollo wearing the Agrenon, found at Hadrian's Villa near Tivoli."-Whitney, 1902

Agrenon

"A net-like woolen garment worn by bachanals and soothsayers in ancient Greece. Image: Toso of Apollo…

"A plume composed of feathers arranged in imitation of the feathers on the head of the heron, and worn on helmets or by ladies as a part of their head-dress, etc."-Whitney, 1902

Aigret

"A plume composed of feathers arranged in imitation of the feathers on the head of the heron, and worn…

"A plate of iron worn over the mail to protect the shoulders of a man-at-arms, before the introduction of plate-armor for the body. Image: Ailette with armorial bearings, middle of 13th century."-Whitney, 1902

Ailette

"A plate of iron worn over the mail to protect the shoulders of a man-at-arms, before the introduction…

Ailettes - appendages of armor worn by knights during the 13th century.

Ailettes

Ailettes - appendages of armor worn by knights during the 13th century.

A knight wearing Allecret armor, which was typically worn by the Swiss in the 16th century.

Allecret Armor

A knight wearing Allecret armor, which was typically worn by the Swiss in the 16th century.

"One of a series of short pieces of metal sliding in slot-holes formed in overlapping plates of armor, replacing the common appliance of riveting to straps of leather or similar material. Image: Tasset of Plates, Almain-rivet Armor, 15th century."-Whitney, 1902

Almain-rivet

"One of a series of short pieces of metal sliding in slot-holes formed in overlapping plates of armor,…

"One armed with the arbalist; a crossbowman; especially, a soldier carrying the arbalist of war."-Whitney, 1902

Arbalister

"One armed with the arbalist; a crossbowman; especially, a soldier carrying the arbalist of war."-Whitney,…

"Homer describes in various passages an entire suit of armour, and we observe that it consisted of the same portions which were used by the Greek soldiers ever after. Moreover, the order of putting them on is always the same. The heavy-armed warrior, having already a tunic around his body, and preparing for combat, puts on-1. his greaves; 2. his cuirass; 3. his sword, hung on the left side of his body by means of a belt which passed over the right shoulder; 4. the large round shield, supported in the same manner; 5. his helmet; 6. he took his spear." — Smith, 1873

Arma

"Homer describes in various passages an entire suit of armour, and we observe that it consisted of the…

"Homer describes in various passages an entire suit of armour, and we observe that it consisted of the same portions which were used by the Greek soldiers ever after. Moreover, the order of putting them on is always the same. The heavy-armed warrior, having already a tunic around his body, and preparing for combat, puts on-1. his greaves; 2. his cuirass; 3. his sword, hung on the left side of his body by means of a belt which passed over the right shoulder; 4. the large round shield, supported in the same manner; 5. his helmet; 6. he took his spear." — Smith, 1873

Arma

"Homer describes in various passages an entire suit of armour, and we observe that it consisted of the…

Full armor from a brass of Sir John de St. Quintin, 1397. KEY: 1-helmet, 2-visor, 3-gorget, 4-breast-plate, 5-skirt, 6-arm-pieces, 7-elbow-piece, 8-gauntlet, 9-hauberk, 10-thigh-piece, 11-knee-piece, 12-greaves, 13-sollerets, 14-lance-rest, 15-belt.

Armor

Full armor from a brass of Sir John de St. Quintin, 1397. KEY: 1-helmet, 2-visor, 3-gorget, 4-breast-plate,…

Full armor from the beginning of the 16th century. KEY: 1-helmet, 2-visor, 3-gorget, 4-breast-plate, 5-skirt, 6-arm-pieces, 7-elbow-piece, 8-gauntlet, 9-hauberk, 10-thigh-piece, 11-knee-piece, 12-greaves, 13-sollerets, 14-lance-rest, 15-belt.

Armor

Full armor from the beginning of the 16th century. KEY: 1-helmet, 2-visor, 3-gorget, 4-breast-plate,…

"Complete Armor of 1195-1205."-Whitney, 1902

Armor

"Complete Armor of 1195-1205."-Whitney, 1902

"Armor and Equipment for man and horse, about 1290."-Whitney, 1902

Armor

"Armor and Equipment for man and horse, about 1290."-Whitney, 1902

"Complete Armor, about 1395"-Whitney, 1902

Armor

"Complete Armor, about 1395"-Whitney, 1902

"Complete suit of Plate-Armor, now in Paris, date about 1440- the epoch of greatest perfection of defensive arms."-Whitney, 1902

Armor

"Complete suit of Plate-Armor, now in Paris, date about 1440- the epoch of greatest perfection of defensive…

Sirs John de Creke and John of Eltham wearing armor during the fourteenth century. The illustration shows the extra armor worn by knights and noblemen underneath the surcoats.

Sirs John de Creke and John of Eltham Wearing Armor

Sirs John de Creke and John of Eltham wearing armor during the fourteenth century. The illustration…

The illustration shows two knights riding on horses. The knights and noblemen wore surcoats to hide the type of armor worn.

Knights and Noblemen on Horses Wearing Armor

The illustration shows two knights riding on horses. The knights and noblemen wore surcoats to hide…

An illustration of mascled armor.

Mascled Armor

An illustration of mascled armor.

An illustration of men at arms wearing iron body armor. The illustration shows armors varied by wealth of the soldiers.

Men at Arms Wearing Armor

An illustration of men at arms wearing iron body armor. The illustration shows armors varied by wealth…

A decorated shoulder piece from a Greek bronze armor, known as Siris Bronze. The shoulder piece has a relief of a battle between the Greek warrior and the Amazon.

Siris Bronze Armor with Greek Warrior and Amazon

A decorated shoulder piece from a Greek bronze armor, known as Siris Bronze. The shoulder piece has…

The image of a Roman legionnaire. He is equipped with a dense breastplate, a helm, a large round shield, greaves, and a short sword.

Arms and Armor

The image of a Roman legionnaire. He is equipped with a dense breastplate, a helm, a large round shield,…

A name given to the plate armor of the leg below the knee.

Bainberg

A name given to the plate armor of the leg below the knee.

Basinets

Basinets

Basinets

"Brass Armor of Sir John de Creke." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

Brass Armor

"Brass Armor of Sir John de Creke." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

"Brass Armor of Sir John de Foxley." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

Brass Armor

"Brass Armor of Sir John de Foxley." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

"Brass Armor of Sir John Lisle at Thruxton." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

Brass Armor

"Brass Armor of Sir John Lisle at Thruxton." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

"Brass Armor of Richard Beauchamp, earl of Warwick." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

Brass Armor

"Brass Armor of Richard Beauchamp, earl of Warwick." — The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

A breastplate is a device worn over the torso either to protect the torso from injury, or as an item of religious significance, or as an item of status.

Breastplate

A breastplate is a device worn over the torso either to protect the torso from injury, or as an item…

An armoured train is a train protected with armour. Usually they are equipped with railroad cars armed with artillery and machine guns. They were mostly used during the late 19th and early 20th century, when they offered an innovative way to quickly move large amounts of firepower into position. Their use was discontinued because modern road vehicles became much more powerful and offered more flexibility, and because armoured trains were too vulnerable to track sabotage as well as attacks from the air.

Military Railroad Car

An armoured train is a train protected with armour. Usually they are equipped with railroad cars armed…

Casque with nasal and mail hood.

Casque

Casque with nasal and mail hood.

An illustration a hauberk, shirt made of chain mail.

Chain Mail Shirt (Hauberk)

An illustration a hauberk, shirt made of chain mail.

"The chivalry of the gothic nations began in the woods of Germany. No youth was then permitted to assume arms, at that time the geat privilege of the noble and the free, at his own pleasure. It was made a social rank, to which it was necessary that the aspiring candidates should be elected in the public councils of their rude commonwealth; and the emulated distinction was then solemnly conferred by the prince, or a kinsman, giving them a javelin and a shield. In these customs we see the origin of knighthood." — Goodrich, 1844

Chivalry and knight-errantry

"The chivalry of the gothic nations began in the woods of Germany. No youth was then permitted to assume…

Coat of mail, used to protect a knight from close combat sword cuts.

Coat of Mail

Coat of mail, used to protect a knight from close combat sword cuts.

Christopher Columbus' armor, from the Collection in the Royal Palace at Madrid.

Columbus' Armor

Christopher Columbus' armor, from the Collection in the Royal Palace at Madrid.

Armor of Hernan Cortes

Armor of Cortes

Armor of Hernan Cortes

Cup of Sosias, 5th century B.C.

Greek Cuirass

Cup of Sosias, 5th century B.C.

"And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled." 1 Samuel 17:48-51 ASV <p>David holds a sword over Goliath and prepares to cut off his head. In the background, the men of Israel and Judah pursue the Philistines.

David Slays Goliath

"And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened,…

The diving dress in a rubber suit with a metal helmet, having pieces of glass in front to enable to diver to see.

Diving-dress and diving-helmet

The diving dress in a rubber suit with a metal helmet, having pieces of glass in front to enable to…

"Inside View of Shield, showing Enarme, or Gear. Enarmer, provide, as a shield, with straps." -Whitney, 1911

Enarme

"Inside View of Shield, showing Enarme, or Gear. Enarmer, provide, as a shield, with straps." -Whitney,…

"The shoulder-piece in the armor of the fourteenth century, especially when small and fitting closely to the person, as compared with the large pauldron of later days." -Whitney, 1911

Epaulet

"The shoulder-piece in the armor of the fourteenth century, especially when small and fitting closely…

"The shoulder-piece in the armor of the fourteenth century, especially when small and fitting closely to the person, as compared with the large pauldron of later days." -Whitney, 1911

Epaulet

"The shoulder-piece in the armor of the fourteenth century, especially when small and fitting closely…

French soldier of the sixteenth century

French soldier of the sixteenth century

French soldier of the sixteenth century

A knight in full armor.

Full Armor

A knight in full armor.

"Suit of Plate Armor, early 16th century." &mdash; Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

Full Plate

"Suit of Plate Armor, early 16th century." — Encyclopedia Britanica, 1893

"Suit by Jacob Topf, nearly complete; the gorget does not belong to it." &mdash; The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

Full Plate Armor

"Suit by Jacob Topf, nearly complete; the gorget does not belong to it." — The Encyclopedia Britannica,…

A man wearing a gambeson from about 1375. A gambeson is a quilted padded jacket worn as armor.

Soldier Wearing a Gambeson

A man wearing a gambeson from about 1375. A gambeson is a quilted padded jacket worn as armor.

"A piece of armor protecting the arm; properly, an elbow piece, but sometimes loosely used for the entire brassart. Also garde-de-bras." -Whitney, 1911

Garde-Brace

"A piece of armor protecting the arm; properly, an elbow piece, but sometimes loosely used for the entire…

"In armor, a raised and ornamental ridge terminating the pauldron on the side toward the neck, and intended to prevent blows from glancing from the pauldron." -Whitney, 1911

Garde-Collet

"In armor, a raised and ornamental ridge terminating the pauldron on the side toward the neck, and intended…

"GAUNTLET. Armour for the hand." -Hall, 1862

Gauntlet

"GAUNTLET. Armour for the hand." -Hall, 1862

The Gauntlet is a piece of protective armor for the hand, dating back to the 12th century. The first gauntlets were leather covered gloves with an unarticulated metal back. They evolved from the chain mail bag, which , in the 12th century, terminated at the sleeves of the hauberk. The gauntlet of the 14th century had separate, but unjointed fingers. This gauntlet was superseded by the 'mitten'.

Gauntlet

The Gauntlet is a piece of protective armor for the hand, dating back to the 12th century. The first…

"Gauntlet of mail forming part of the hauberk, 13th century. In medieval armor, a glove of defense." -Whitney, 1911

Gauntlet of Mail

"Gauntlet of mail forming part of the hauberk, 13th century. In medieval armor, a glove of defense."…

"Gauntlet of plate, early 14th century. In medieval armor, a glove of defense." -Whitney, 1911

Gauntlet of Plate

"Gauntlet of plate, early 14th century. In medieval armor, a glove of defense." -Whitney, 1911

"Gauntlet of plate, later 14th century. In medieval armor, a glove of defense." -Whitney, 1911

Gauntlet of Plate

"Gauntlet of plate, later 14th century. In medieval armor, a glove of defense." -Whitney, 1911