Page 255 - Dictionary of Heraldry and Related Subjects

Skull Cap - The strengthened incursions of ~he Hun. They were
leather cap fitting close to the head designed to allow the horseman to
which preceded the introduction of
brace his feet and legs fonvard, thus
the helmet.
securing more power to strike with
his weapons.
Soleret - Flexible armour for the
foot generally made of steel plates Stop Rib - Small rnetal projections
or cuir boulli. They were frequently added to plate arrnour to prevent an
fastened by straps which could be attacking lance head from sliding
cut if it was necessary for the between joints. Originally used
wearer to fight on foot, thus remov- around the neck but later spreading
ing the projecting point to permit to othet vital joints.
easier walking.
Stodded and Splintered Arrnour -
Spauàier - A series of small over- The name sometimes givcn to the
to protect the type of armour worn during the
lapping plates
transitional period of 1330-1360. In
shoulder.
it there were many varieties and
Spear - A general term erubracing combinations of mail and plate.
weapons with a pointed head on a
long shaft. Used both by foot Surcoat - The light linen coat worn
soldiers and cavalry though for the over the armour adopted during
latter it was generally termed lance. crusades for protection against the
sun and rain. Later shortened in
Speannen - Foot soldiers armed size and emblazoncd with coats of
arms and used to assist identification
with a spear,
on the battlefield during the 14th
Spontoone - A half pike retained and 15th ceni-ury.
until the beginning of the 18th cen-
tury and carried by officers. primar- Swingle - A weapon fitted with
ily to denote rheir difference in tank sharp spikes which was attached to
the shaft by an articulated joint,
from ordinary soldiers.
thus enabling the bearer to strike a
Spws - An essential part of the two-handed blow to the head of an
Knight's equipment when on horse- opponent.
back. Tbere were many different
designs which frequently displayed Sword - The types of sword have
ben discussed under their separate
superb craftsmanship.
alphabetical headings.
Sword Belt - Originating of a ban-
dolier or sling type worn over the
right shoulder. Zt has also included
the waist belt type and the combina-
Kinght's Spur with Rowel tion of the two culminating in the
sam browne belt of today.
Süietto - A needle sharp dagger of
ItaIian origin. Sword Breaker - A comb shaped
bladed weapon designed to catch
Stirmp - First adopted during the the blade of an adversary's sword
8th century particularly against the and with a sharp twist to break it.
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