gorget

American  

[gawr-jit] / ˈgɔr dʒɪt /

noun

1. a patch on the throat of a bird or other animal, distinguished by its color, texture, etc.

2. a piece of armor for the throat.

3. a crescent-shaped ornament worn on a chain around the neck as a badge of rank by officers in the 17th and 18th centuries.

4. a wimple of the Middle Ages, worn with the ends fastened in the hair.

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gorget British  

/ ˈɡɔːdʒɪt /

noun

1. a collar-like piece of armour worn to protect the throat

2. a part of a wimple worn by women to cover the throat and chest, esp in the 14th century

3. a band of distinctive colour on the throat of an animal, esp a bird

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Other Word Forms

• gorgeted adjective

Etymology

Origin of gorget

1425–75; late Middle English < Old French. See gorge ¹, -et

Example Sentences

The males are copper-orange, and in sunshine their gorgets glow brilliant orange-red.

From Seattle Times

For instance, explaining the shiny gorget hanging around his neck is a symbolic remnant of the armor knights once wore into battle.

From Washington Times

The first half of the genus name “Gorgetosuchus” comes from gorget, which is the metal neck ring that knights once sported, while “suchus” is ancient Greek for crocodile.

From Washington Times

An archaeology curator at the museum says gorgets with animal depictions are rare and there are only about eight of that style and period in the U.S.

From Washington Times

The portrait shows Rembrandt wearing a black velvet cap with two ostrich feathers, a gorget, and a short, decorated velvet cape.

From New York Times