fauld
Noun: 1. A piece of armor plate below the breastplate: A fauld is a component of plate armor, specifically a series of horizontal metal plates (lames) attached by leather straps or rivets. It is worn to protect the lower torso, abdomen, and hips, and is typically attached to the bottom edge of the breastplate.
The word fauld is a historical and technical term used almost exclusively in the context of medieval or Renaissance European armor. It describes a specific defensive garment. * The knight's fauld was crafted from polished steel and articulated to allow for movement on horseback. * In a full suit of plate armor, the fauld connects the breastplate to the tassets, which protect the upper thighs.
- As part of armor terminology: The is a key element in the "cuirass" (the armor for the torso), working in conjunction with the breastplate (front) and the backplate.
- Descriptive use: Can be used descriptively in historical fiction or analysis. "The intricate etching on the depicted scenes of a legendary battle."
- Tassets (noun): These are additional plates of armor that hang from the to protect the upper thighs. They are related but distinct components.
- Culet (noun): A plate or set of plates attached to the backplate, serving a similar protective function for the lower back as the does for the front and sides.
- Armor skirt: A more general, descriptive term.
- Lames (plural noun): Refers to the individual horizontal metal strips that make up a or similar articulated armor piece.
The term fauld has a single, specific meaning related to historical armor. It is not used in modern contexts outside of historical discussion, reenactment, or collecting.
-
a piece of armor plate below the breastplate
