gambeson

[ gam-buh-suh n ]

/ ˈgæm bə sən /

a quilted garment worn under mail.

Origin of gambeson

1300–50; Middle English ga(u)mbeson a military tunic < Old French gambison, gambeison, probably < Germanic

As the sole armour of the soldier, the gambeson is mentioned both by Wace and Guillaume le Breton.

Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe |John Hewitt
The "Aketon" appears to be but another name for the gambeson.

Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe |John Hewitt
The Hauberk, which was worn over the gambeson, was the chief body defence.

Armour & Weapons |Charles John Ffoulkes
The gambeson appearing below the chausses, but covering the chaussons of mail, forming an extra protection to the knee.

Armour in England |J. Starkie Gardner

Quilted garments were still worn, either as the sole defence or as a gambeson under the mail.

Armour & Weapons |Charles John Ffoulkes

gambeson

/ (ˈɡæmbɪsən) /

a quilted and padded or stuffed leather or cloth garment worn under chain mail in the Middle Ages and later as a doublet by men and women

C13: from Old French, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wamba belly; see womb