tasse
Noun: 1. A piece of medieval plate armor: Specifically, one of a pair of plates (typically made of steel or iron) suspended from the lower edge of a breastplate or fauld to protect the front and sides of the upper thighs.
The word "tasse" is a highly specific historical term used almost exclusively in the context of describing medieval or Renaissance European armor. It is a countable noun. * A knight's suit of plate armor often included tasses for leg protection. * The museum curator pointed out the intricate engraving on the left tasse.
- The term is frequently used in its plural form, tasses, as the armor piece was typically worn in pairs.
- In detailed armor descriptions, one might specify their attachment point:
- Tasset (noun): This is a more common variant spelling and synonym for "tasse." The two words are interchangeable.
- Fauld (noun): The skirt of plate armor (often made of horizontal lames) to which the tasses are attached.
- Cuisse (noun): The piece of armor that protects the thigh itself, to which the tasse is an additional, hanging defense.
- Tasset: The direct synonym and alternative spelling.
- Thigh guard: A modern, descriptive term for the same piece of equipment.
"Tasse" has only one primary meaning: the specific piece of historical armor. It is not used in modern contexts or with figurative meanings. It is a technical term from the field of arms and armor.
- one of two pieces of armor plate hanging from the fauld to protect the upper thighs