greave

American  

[greev] / griv /

noun

Armor.

1. a piece of plate armor for the leg between the knee and the ankle, usually composed of front and back pieces.

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greave British  

/ ɡriːv /

noun

1. (often plural) a piece of armour worn to protect the shin from the ankle to the knee

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Other Word Forms

• greaved
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of greave

1300–50; Middle English greves (plural) < Old French < ?

Explanation

In ancient times, a warrior or knight's armor included greaves that protected the lower legs. Greaves were made of metal and lined with a soft felt padding. Want to protect your vulnerable shin bones from an opponent's blade? You're going to need a pair of greaves, armor made to cover your leg from knee to ankle. Ancient Greek and Roman soldiers wore greaves, and they're mentioned in ancient literature, including Homer's Iliad. Medieval European warriors used them too, until some time during the 9th century. The word stems from the Arabic gaurab, "stocking."

Example Sentences

To better gauge the Olympic winners, Mr Greave takes into account not only past athletic performance, but how each country has done at other international sporting competitions since the last Olympic games.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2021

Simon Greave, head of sport analyses at data company Neilsen Gracenote, says it's these myriad factors that make predicting Olympic medal counts tricky.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2021

In the accounts of the Greave for the Forest of Rossendale for 1691-2 is an entry of the true antiquarian cast: Item, for a Bridle for scouldinge women, 2s. 6d.

From Bygone Punishments by Andrews, William