Medieval Terminology: Glossary of Terms and Definitions

Medieval Terminology

Objects and Places

• Elm: Helmet.
• Palio: Canvas roof supported by four rods; shelter for processions.
• Wait: Sharp piece of metal on a boot heel for mounting.
• Lesson: Enclosed field for tournaments and fairs.
• Rest: Part of armor where a spear rests.
• Award: Garment or object given as a token of love.
• Papafigos: Hooded cloth covering the neck, leaving only eyes and nose exposed.
• Proa: Front of a boat.
• Popa: Back of a boat.
• Palermo: Capital of Sicily.
• Maroma: Thick rope of vegetable fiber.
• Keel: Long, curved piece under a boat, forming its base.
• Buc: Underwater part of a ship's hull.
• Ausberg: Robe made of iron rings (chainmail).
• Girth: Strap securing a saddle under a horse's belly.
• Rai: Raft of logs for river navigation.
• Throat: Narrow passage between mountains.
• Caparison: Long blanket protecting and decorating a horse's rump.
• Lombard: Old, large-caliber cannon.
• Estella: Small piece of wood indicating a cut or beginning.
• Barber: Former name for the Maghreb.
• Spear: Typical medieval weapon.
• Gropera: Armor protecting a horse's rump.

Actions and Warfare

• Contest: Confrontation.
• Lyric Battle: Exchange of letters challenging a knight to combat.
• Knife/Coltellada: Dagger.
• Sores: Open wound.
• The Wing: Breed of dog with a broad chest, short legs, and red hair.
• Mamelukes: Soldiers under a prince's command.
• Do not leave footprints: Follow closely.
• Skirmishes: Minor battles in a war.
• From the sea: Cause a death.
• Casta: Virgin.
• Blame: Criticize.
• Corser: Strong, fast horse used in battles and tournaments.
• Ploy: Trap.
• Injury: Offense.
• Rousing: Encouraging speech to soldiers.
• Flashing: Very quickly.
• Rearguard: Troops at the back.
• Tack: Change course (nautical).
• Templer: Knight defending Christianity.

States and Emotions

• Exultant: Overflowing with joy.
• Disquiet: Unease.
• Impregnable: Cannot be taken by force.
• Deliberate: Think carefully before deciding.
• Urge: Push or induce someone to act.

People and Roles

• Warden: Person commissioned to save and defend a castle.
• Knight: Person of noble ancestry.

Other Terms

• Malvasia: Sweet, aromatic grape from southern Greece.
• Mitts: Armor protecting the hand.
• Embalming: Mummification.
• Transient: Passenger, survivor.
• Armour: Whole parts of the armor.