gambeson

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word gambeson. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word gambeson, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say gambeson in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word gambeson you have here. The definition of the word gambeson will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofgambeson, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

English Wikipedia has an article on:
Wikipedia
A padded jacket under glass
A 16th-century gambeson on display

Alternative forms

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

Noun

gambeson (plural gambesons)

  1. (historical) A defensive garment formerly in use for the body, made of cloth stuffed and quilted, often worn as padding under armor.
    Coordinate terms: aketon, haustement, pourpoint
    • 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 18:
      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 might 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.

Translations

Anagrams