gambeson

Meaning

Noun

• A defensive garment formerly in use for the body, made of cloth stuffed and quilted, often worn as padding under armor.

Origin

• From Middle English gambison, from Old French gambeson, gambaison, from gambais, wambais, from Medieval Latin wambāsium ("doublet, waistcoat"), from Frankish *wamba ("abdomen, belly"), from Proto-Germanic *wambō ("belly, womb"): compare Middle High German wambeis, German Wams ("waistcoat, doublet"), from Old High German wamba. More at womb.