chausses

American  

[shohs] / ʃoʊs /

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.

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chausses British  

/ ʃəʊs /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of chausses

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

Example Sentences

Ancient Egyptians had schenti, Romans wore subligaculum, and the Medieval world embraced braies and chausses before the introduction of the codpiece during the Renaissance.

From National Geographic • Jan. 9, 2024

Some also wore chausses, or leggings and, by the 15th century, the two pieces more or less became one.

From National Geographic • Jan. 9, 2024

The young Lord of Arkell was in his rich court suit—a tight-fitting, great-sleeved silk jacket, rich, violet chausses, or tights, and pointed shoes.

From Historic Girls by Brooks, Elbridge Streeter

Lors firent apporter les armes, & armerent le cheuallier du fort haulbert, & des chausses qui trop estoyent longues & lees; Next day, the hosts are again armed for battle.

From Lancelot of the Laik A Scottish Metrical Romance by Skeat, Walter W. (Walter William)

He describes them as "mal chausses, mal vetus, et n'ayant point d'uniforme dans leurs habits, si ce n'est qu'ils sont tous fort mauvais."

From The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 3 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron