chausses

[ shohs ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. medieval armor of mail for the legs and feet.
2. tights worn by men in medieval times over the legs and feet.

chausses

/ ʃəʊs /

noun

1. functioning as singular a tight-fitting medieval garment covering the feet and legs, usually made of chain mail

Word History and Origins

Origin of chausses¹

1350–1400; Middle English chauces < Middle French, plural of chauce ≪ Latin calceus shoe, equivalent to calc- (stem of calx ) heel + -eus -eous

Word History and Origins

Origin of chausses¹

C15: from Old French chauces, plural of chauce leg-covering, from Medieval Latin calcea, from Latin calceus shoe, from calx heel

Example Sentences

In the first of these illustrations only the front of the leg is covered, and the chausses are laced at the back.

From Project Gutenberg

The gambeson appearing below the chausses, but covering the chaussons of mail, forming an extra protection to the knee.

From Project Gutenberg

The surcoat and the chausses were essential features of the period.

From Project Gutenberg

Chausses, which had been generally worn up to this period, began to give place to the separate breeches and hose.

From Project Gutenberg

Its removal was ordered, and in the same year chausses were built across the fen, one to Hoxton and another to Islington.

From Project Gutenberg