Definition

Noun: A type of flexible body armor used in the Middle Ages, constructed of small metal plates or rings sewn or riveted between layers of fabric or leather.

Examples of Usage

• The museum's collection includes a well-preserved 15th-century brigandine.
• Unlike a full suit of plate armor, a brigandine offered more mobility for foot soldiers.
• The knight's brigandine was reinforced with steel plates over a leather jerkin.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and fantasy literature to describe the armor of soldiers, mercenaries, or adventurers who could not afford full plate harness.
• In historical reenactment communities, constructing an accurate brigandine is a common project for armorers.

Variants and Related Words

• Brigand (noun): Historically, a bandit or outlaw, often one who might have worn such armor. The word "brigandine" is derived from this term.
• Coat of plates (noun): A very similar early form of armor, often considered a precursor or a type of brigandine, where larger plates are riveted to the inside of a cloth garment.

Synonyms

• Body armor
• Coat of mail (though this more strictly refers to chainmail)
• Jack of plate (a very similar contemporary type of armor)

Related Phrases

• To don a brigandine: To put on this type of armor.
  • The men-at-arms donned their brigandines before the battle.
• Riveted brigandine: Specifies the construction method where the plates are attached with rivets, the heads of which are often visible on the outside of the garment as a decorative pattern.

Noun

1. a medieval coat of chain mail consisting of metal rings sewn onto leather or cloth