BRIGANDINE Meaning and
Definition
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Brigandine is a noun that refers to a type of protective body armor that was commonly worn during the medieval period. It is derived from the Italian word "brigante," meaning "brigand" or "robber," due to its association with the outlaws and mercenaries of that time.
A brigandine typically consists of a heavy fabric or leather base, which is reinforced with small metal plates or discs called "lamellae" or "splints." These plates are often made of steel or iron and are sewn or riveted onto the fabric in an overlapping pattern. The primary purpose of this armor is to absorb and distribute the force of impacts from weapons like swords, arrows, or bludgeoning objects, thus providing protection to the wearer.
The advantage of the brigandine lies in its flexibility and relative lightweight compared to other types of armor, such as plate armor. This allows for greater ease of movement and agility, making it suitable for infantry soldiers, knights, and horseback riders alike. Depending on the design, brigandines can cover various areas of the body, including the chest, back, and sometimes even the arms and thighs.
Historically, brigandines were widely used across medieval Europe, especially during the 14th and 15th centuries. They were popular among both professional soldiers and mercenaries due to their effectiveness and relative affordability compared to full plate armor. While they eventually became obsolete with the rise of firearms, brigandines hold a significant place in the history of armor and warfare.
Common Misspellings for BRIGANDINE
- vrigandine
- nrigandine
- hrigandine
- grigandine
- beigandine
- bdigandine
- bfigandine
- btigandine
- b5igandine
- b4igandine
- brugandine
- brjgandine
- brkgandine
- brogandine
- br9gandine
- br8gandine
- brifandine
- brivandine
- bribandine
Etymology of BRIGANDINE
The word "brigandine" has a Latin origin. It is derived from the word "briga", which means "an eye" or "a defensive weapon", and the suffix "-dinum", denoting a place or location. The term "brigandine" was originally a noun that referred to a type of armor, specifically a coat or jacket made of small overlapping metal plates or scales sewn onto a fabric or leather backing. Over time, the word "brigandine" also came to be used more broadly to describe a bandit or a person engaged in robbery, possibly due to the association of such armor with brigands or outlaws.
Similar spelling words for BRIGANDINE
- Barkantine,
- bregman,
- brigantine,
- bragantino,
- bruggeman,
- briganti,
- Brugnoli,
- barquentine,
- Barquantine,
- Brigance,
- pyraconitin,
- Barkentine,
- brisance,
- brigman,
- brigand,
- brugman,
- Burgundian,
- brokendown,
- Brigmond,
- brizendine.
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