Ventails

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An architectural feature consisting of flaps or openings allowing air or light to pass through a structure
2. A mechanism in armor that provides ventilation, protecting the wearer while allowing airflow
3. Openings in a helmet or cloak designed to provide visibility and comfort while retaining protective qualities

Etymology: The word "ventail" is the Anglo-French and Middle English name for a part of medieval armour, specifically the hinged or pierced lower section of a bascinet helmet that let the wearer breathe and see. The supplied meaning, which describes openings in a cloak, does not match the historical sense, since these pieces belonged to helmets and not garments. The name comes from Old French "ventaille", a derivative of "vent", "wind" or "air", from Latin "ventus". The literal idea is a thing for letting air through, which is exactly what the helmet part did. English borrowed the term in the late Middle Ages, and it was used in armour descriptions and inventories. The plural "ventails" is simply the ordinary plural of the noun.