Page 226 - Canadian Dominion Directory 1871 - Partie 1-fusionné

Broad Swoxd - The double edged
sword of the 17th and 18th cen-
turies, the guard of which was
formed by a basket of open iron
work which enclosed the entire grip.
Brocas Helm - One of the tiiting
helrns to be seen in the tower of
London amouries. It dates from
circa 1500 and is considered by
many to be one of the finest
examples
survjving. It weighs
Burgonet
22+1bs. and still possesses the origi-
nal staples and locking bars both Bde - A type of Ieather jerkin
back and front for fastening jt down covered on the outside by overlap-
securely on the shoulder and chest, ping plates of iron, copper and in
inforced jacket originated during
Bronze - A metal much used by the
the Roman era and was noteworthy
early Egyptian warriors. It was used
for the Aexibility of movement jt
to make helrnets, breast and back
allowed, at the same time offering
plates and the early type of
ample 2rotection from sword cuts,
greaves.
spear thrusts and even arrows. Dur-
Bronze was also used in connec-
ing the Nonnan era the same name
tion with weapons for the heads of
was given to the jacket constructed
spears and for swords, though the
completely of mail.
latter were shorter in Iength and had
It is interesting to note that in the
to be used purely for thrusting as a
scenes of the Battle of Hastings on
slash with a bronze sword would
the Bayeaux tapestry the horse and
have broken it.
foot soldiers are both shown wear-
ing the burnie.
Buckler - A small round shield used
for fighting on foot.
Buff Coat - A stout leather coat
with deep skirts, originally made of
buffalo hide to which various
armoured accessories were strapped. some cases hom. This forrn of re-
During the 17th century these coats Cabacete or cabasset - A type of
replaced the arming doublet. light helmet worn by the Spaniards.
It consisted of a ta11 narrow piece
Buffe - A kind of beaver used as with a turned down brim that came
a face guard on the burgonet. to an upturned point fore and aft. It
was frequently worn with a large
Burgonet - An open peaked helmet beaver which practically covered
used originally by the Burgundian the face and its gorget plate
troops. Tt had cheek pieces, some- extended well down over the ctiest.
times with an adjustable buffe, and
there were a number of different Caligae - A fom of leg covering
shapes, some with an almost flat worn by Roman soldiers circa 1st
top, others rising to a fan-like crest. century.