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

The second room is focused on archaeological tomb discoveries, including the bronze head of Seuthes, the silver greave and the gold wreath.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2025

The safety was excused from the team, with the coach wanting Reaves to take time to greave.

From Washington Times • Dec. 22, 2022

Dingell asked the president to stop his attacks and allow her to greave her husband in peace during the first holiday season following his death.

From Washington Post • Dec. 18, 2019

His left greave did not match his right, his gorget was spotted with rust, his vambraces rich and ornate, inlaid with niello flowers.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Khrazz cursed and turned a high cut into a low one, slipping past the old knight’s blade for once, only to have his blow scrape uselessly off a white steel greave.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin