Surcoat

A surcoat was an outer garment commonly worn in the Middle Ages. It can either refer to a coat worn over other garments or the outer garment of a person. The name derives from French meaning "over the cotta", a long, wide coat reaching down to the feet without sleeves.

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From about the 12th century, knights wore long and flowing surcoats over their armor, which were frequently emblazoned with the arms of the wearer. They usually extended to about mid-calf, had slits in the bottom front and back, and were sleeved or sleeveless. Historians believe that surcoats were worn to protect mail from direct sun, which heated the mail, making the soldier even more uncomfortable than he was before. The surcoat displayed the "arms" of a knight (origin of "coat of arms") which identified him, especially helpful if he was wearing a helm that covers the face.

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(todo: Find an image of knight wearing a surcoat; need something on the female medieval surcoat)

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Middle Ages: The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three 'ages': the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times. The Middle Ages of Western Europe are commonly dated from the end of the Western Roman Empire (5th century)...

French: French can refer to more than one article:...

12th century: As a means of recording the passage of time, the 12th century was that century which lasted from 1101 to 1200. In the history of European culture, this period is considered part of the High Middle Ages....