gambeson

[ gam-buh-suhn ]

noun

, Armor.

1. a quilted garment worn under mail.

gambeson

/ ˈɡæmbɪsən /

noun

1. a quilted and padded or stuffed leather or cloth garment worn under chain mail in the Middle Ages and later as a doublet by men and women

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambeson¹

1300–50; Middle English ga ( u ) mbeson a military tunic < Old French gambison, gambeison, probably < Germanic

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambeson¹

C13: from Old French, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wamba belly; see womb

Example Sentences

The gambeson is shown on Fig. 9, appearing beneath the edge of the hauberk just above the knee.

From Project Gutenberg

Quilted garments were still worn, either as the sole defence or as a gambeson under the mail.

From Project Gutenberg

The gambeson appearing below the chausses, but covering the chaussons of mail, forming an extra protection to the knee.

From Project Gutenberg

The shirts of mail are edged with wide borders, which may or may not represent the under tunic or gambeson showing beneath.

From Project Gutenberg

The "Aketon" appears to be but another name for the gambeson.

From Project Gutenberg