halecret

Definition

A kind of light armour protecting the bust, used in the 16th century, usually thought to have been a corselet or light cuirass.

Etymology

First attested in English in 1536 as halkrig and 1540 as halkrik, taken to be from Middle French halecret, itself first attested in 1488 as aldecrez (plural) and 1489 as hallecretz (plural), of uncertain origin. Compare Breton halacred. Perhaps from Middle Dutch halscleet (“gorget”) (see hals (“neck, throat”), cleet (“piece of clothing”)), or related to German Halskragen.

Example Sentences

• "The halecret was a kind of corcelet of tvvo pieces, one before and one behind, it was lighter than the cuiraſs."