chanfron

[ chan-fruhn ]

noun

1. a piece of plate armor for defending a horse's head.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chanfron¹

late Middle English shamfron < Anglo-French, Old French champfrein, perhaps for *chafrein (with -m- perhaps from chamfrein chamfer, though the senses are unrelated), noun derivative of chafre ( s ) ner literally, to put a bridle on < Vulgar Latin *cap ( um ) head (for caput; chief ) + *-frenāre, verbal derivative of Latin frēnum bridle

Example Sentences

This suit was the Earl of Leicester's—the "Kenilworth" earl, for see his cognizance of the bear and ragged staff on the horse's chanfron.

From Project Gutenberg

His charger was armed with the chanfrons and gamboised housings, having thereon the royal arms, and proudly did the conscious beast paw and champ, as if rejoicing under his burden.

From Project Gutenberg

The crouptière and estival, together with the chanfron, were of the most costly description.

From Project Gutenberg