GAMBESONS

A gambeson is a quilted protective jacket or waistcoat, which was worn in the Middle Ages in battle, usually under a knight's armour, but also as additional protection over chain mail to protect the fighter from blows, abrasions, bruises and from attacks with crossbows or arrows. The "poor man" also wore the gambeson instead of armour. The gambeson thus provided protection and safety for its wearer during a sporting tournament or on the battlefield.