From “deshaché” and “esteté” to “decressant” and “bretesse,” I imagine these heraldic terms from medieval coats of arms would be especially useful to the literary grimdark or litHEMA fantasy writer. Enjoy!
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Category: Wonderful Words
A List of Medieval Textiles, Furs & Leather Fabrics
Here’s yet another thing that proves medieval people were much more sophisticated than we give them credit for–a long list of materials used in clothing, bedding, napery and drapery (with pictures).
A List of Historical Military Terms (60+ Rare Words)
A List of Interesting Interjections and Archaic Exclamations! Te Deum!
Somewhere in the Caribbean…
A List of Archaic Adverbs (updated Aug 2018)
Adossé (from heraldry) “back to back” – Example: His coat-armor emblazoned two lions adossé. Affronté / Confronté (from heraldry) “facing one another” … More
Brigandine vs. Brigantine vs. Barkentine vs. Barquentine vs. Barque (Brain Bubblegum)
Lazar, Lazarus, Lazaret, Lazarette vs. Lazaretto (A “Lazy” Comparison)
Whether you’re a poet looking for words that start with L or a student trying to understand what a lazarette … More
Vintenar vs Vintner vs Verderer
VINTENAR Vintenar means, in medieval England, a leader of a score of footmen, more specifically a leader of twenty draft … More
Springalds versus Ballistae – What is the Mechanical Difference?
This is not a historical lesson with dates and events, but a mechanical lesson to explain the physical differences between … More
GUAR versus GAUR | Yes, that’s seriously the topic. Isn’t this so sad? But funny?
The other day I added guar to my Book of Words. Then I thought, wait … am I getting guar … More
A List of 40+ Synonyms for “Horse” with their Unique Definitions (updated 2018)
Palfrey – a compliable horse for casual riding, especially by women. Mule, hinny – the offspring of a male donkey and a … More
The Estoc | A Sword without an Edge
An estoc, used from the 14th to the 17th century, is an edgeless two-handed sword designed specifically for fighting against … More
Fauld vs Tonlet | Medieval Armor for the Waist
Faulds and tonlets are both pieces of armor worn below the breastplate to protect the groin and waist, but some … More
The Swordbreaker | A Dagger to Catch Swords
A swordbreaker is a dagger or shortsword with deep notches on one side of the blade, used for catching and grappling … More
The Goedendag | A Spear & Club Combination
Used historically by militia in the Franco-Flemish War of the 14th century, the goedendag is the combination of a club and a … More
