Chausses

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Chausse is also an unrelated technical term in heraldry.

Chausses (IPA: [ˈtʃaʊsɛz] as formerly naturalized, now more often as modern French IPA: [ʃos]) are armor for the legs, usually made from chainmail. They could extend to the knee or cover the entire leg. Chausses were the standard type of metal leg armor during most of the European Middle Ages. Chausses offered flexible protection that was effective against slashing weapons. However, the wearer felt the full force of crushing blows.

Reinforcing plates called poleyns began to supplement mail armor in the 13th century. One of the first locations to see this protection was the knee. Steel shin plates called schynbalds came into use during the final quarter of the century. Unlike greaves, schynbalds protected only the front of the lower leg. These early plate additions were worn over chausses and held in place with leather straps. Chausses became obsolete in the 14th century as plate armor developed.

Chausses were also worn as a woollen legging with layers, as part of civilian dress, and as a gamboissed (padded) garment for chainmail.

[edit] External links

• Arador Armour Library guide to constructing replica chausses
• A General History of Armor