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The Golden Gloss

The medieval glossary of English (old/middle/modern) words as used in the middle ages. Of highlight are words misunderstood or unknown to the general public (or newer participants.)

UPDATED 09/01/2023

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There are currently 3 terms in this directory beginning with the letter G.
G
Gallons
[late 13th c.] and its preceding Old French roots of the galon and jalon has referred to a liquid measure which has always roughly corresponded with the modern measure.

 
Gambeson (armor)
A jacket like piece of armor, made from gamboised fabric (quilted from many layers or stuffed between layers) and designed to be worn as armor alone, or as a substrate to mail armor. Frequently was used in conjunction with plate armor as well as foundation garment from which to point (tie on) pieces of armor.

 
Garderobe
The toilet in a castle, usually set into an exterior wall so the hole under the seat would empty directly down the side of the wall, or down a shaft. Due to the insect repellant feature of ammonia, they also sometimes doubled as wardrobes.

 


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