upper cannon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A piece of plate armor for the upper arm: In historical armor, the "upper cannon" is a rigid, tubular piece of steel designed to protect the upper arm (the bicep and triceps area). It is a component of a full suit of plate armor, typically worn in conjunction with other pieces like the lower cannon (for the forearm), spaulders or pauldrons (for the shoulder), and couter (for the elbow).
Usage
The term is used exclusively in historical, military, or reenactment contexts to describe a specific component of medieval or Renaissance European armor. * The knight's armor included finely crafted upper cannons decorated with etched designs. * When assembling the replica armor, the upper cannon is attached to the couter at the elbow.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The "upper cannon" is part of the arm harness. Its development was crucial for providing mobility and comprehensive protection to a knight's limbs in battle.
- Construction: Upper cannons were often made from shaped and hardened steel plates, sometimes connected by internal leather straps or riveted hinges to allow for movement.
Variants and Related Words
- Vambrace (or Lower Cannon): The piece of armor protecting the forearm.
- Couter: The piece of armor protecting the elbow joint, often connecting the upper and lower cannons.
- Rerebrace: An older or alternative term for the upper cannon, though sometimes used more specifically.
- Arm Harness: The complete assembly of armor pieces (upper cannon, couter, vambrace) designed to protect the entire arm.
Synonyms
- Rerebrace (historical synonym, though usage can vary by period and region).
Notes
- The term "cannon" in this context derives from the Old Italian , meaning "tube" or "pipe," referring to the tubular shape of the armor piece. It is not related to the firearm.
Noun
- cannon that provides plate armor for the upper arm