hauberk

American  

[haw-burk] / ˈhɔ bɜrk /

noun

Armor.

1. a long defensive shirt, usually of mail, extending to the knees; byrnie.

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hauberk British  

/ ˈhɔːbɜːk /

noun

1. a long coat of mail, often sleeveless

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Etymology

Origin of hauberk

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French hauberc, earlier halberc < Frankish *halsberg, equivalent to *hals neck ( see hawse) + *berg protection ( see harbor); cognate with Old High German halsberc Old English healsbeorg, Old Norse halsbjǫrg

Explanation

A hauberk was part of the suit of armor worn by knights. Made of strong chain mail, a knight's hauberk helped protect the upper half of his body during a battle. Chain mail, which is basically metal fabric, was a relatively lightweight part of a medieval knight's armor. The word hauberk comes from the Frankish halsberg, "neck-cover," a small section of chain mail that protected only a knight's neck and shoulders. The hauberk expanded on this, covering more of the body from blows, sometimes extending from neck to knees.

Example Sentences

On tournament day, to the king’s great chagrin, Each one left his hauberk behind at the inn.

From Washington Post • Jul. 21, 2022

"I've been working on a chain-mail hauberk," he says, walking in the mountains above his parents' house.

From Time Magazine Archive

Sigom was there as well, the young Magnar of Thenn, clad in a leather hauberk sewn with bronze scales.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

His longsword and dagger were sheathed in black moleskin, and the hauberk and coif in his saddlebag were black ringmail.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

"Your hauberk must have rusted away, sister," he threw back.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin