Pauldons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of armor covering the shoulders, typically made of metal and worn as part of a suit of armor
2. These protective components are designed to shield the shoulder area during combat
3. Often used in historical military attire, they contribute to both defense and style in medieval periods

Etymology: The term "pauldons" refers to pieces of plate armor specifically designed to protect the shoulder area. Its origin traces back to the Middle Ages, a period when the development of full plate armor advanced significantly in Europe. The word itself evolved from the Old French "pauldron," which was borrowed into English around the 14th century. This Old French term likely derived from the Vulgar Latin "*palterium" or a similar form, connected to "palta," meaning a broad piece of cloth or a shield-like object. The idea was to denote a protective covering, which fits the function of the pauldron as a broad, curved plate shielding the shoulder. The suffix "-on" in French often forms diminutives or denotes objects, and when this form passed into English, it came to describe these specific armor components. The plural "pauldons" follows English conventions, where the singular "pauldron" adds an "s" to indicate multiple pieces, usually worn as a pair. Because armor was typically crafted in matched sets for both arms, the plural form became common in descriptions of full suits of armor. Over time, as plate armor fell out of military use, the term survived primarily in historical and reenactment contexts, preserving a glimpse into the craftsmanship and terminology of medieval warriors. The word remains a specialized term within the study of arms and armor, evoking the image of knights clad in shining steel.

Synonyms: shoulder armor, shoulder plates, armor plates, shoulder guards, spauldron