Page 224 - Canadian Dominion Directory 1871 - Partie 1-fusionné

BatCle Sabre - A heavy type of Besague - A circular plate attached
curved sword general ly used for to the bracer and lad to the front
cutting purposes by cavalry. It of the shoulder and the outside of
the elbow. These were in use circa
could also be used for thrusting.
1320.
Bears' Feet - An unusually wide
form of sabaton believed to have
been adopted by the French Knights
with a view to concealing a physical
deformity of Louis XIi.
Beaver, Bevor - A piece of amour
designed ta protect the lower part
of the face. It could either form
part of the helmet or be frxed to the
breastplate. It could be raised or
lowered according to its type thus
allowing the wearer to eat or drink.
Belt - Various types of belt have
been in use throughout the ages Bicoqnet - A forrn of closed helmet
either worn round the wajst or slung consisting of several pieces of metal
bandolier-wise over the shoulder which encIose the head, neck and
and not infrequently a combination chin. It was fitted with a rounded
of the two. These have alrnost in- visor hinged on pivots.
variably been designed as a means
Bi11 - A mediaeval pole weapon
of carrying sword and dagger.
pointed at the end with a spike at
the back and a short curved blade in
the front.
Body Amour - See Armour. Body.
Bonnet - A type of padded skull
cap over which was worn a metal
covering generally used by foot
soldiers during the 16th and early
17th centuries. Besague
Bordon, Bourdonass - A light hol-
low lance generally made of poplar
and designed to shiver easily against
the opponent's arrnour. In the early
tournaments the principal object was
to knock the adversary Rom his
horse. This was difficult to achieve
owing to the high projections both
at the front and the back of the
saddle. With the bordon however,
honour was satisfied if the lance was
Belt drca 1323 shivered.
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