Meaning of chappe | Babel Free

Definitions

A piece, typically of leather, fitted to the crossguard of European swords of the later medieval period, attested mainly in art, of uncertain purpose.

Equivalents

Examples

“[…] part of the cross-guard. Often these chappes - a word, incidentally, that means “capes” - were decorated in needlework with the arms or device of the owner.”

“From the chappe to three fourths the length of the blade runs a pronounced center ridge.”

“[…] with no passion for warfare, perhaps it was a little incongruous that I had been crafting swords since I was a boy. […] The design⟳ of the grip was particularly important to me, as was finding an appropriate jewel for the pommel, and I signed each of my creations with the symbol of the pyramid on the chappe, an autograph to mark⟳ the sword as one of my own⟳.”

“In everyday situations, swords were worn with or carried in a scabbard. […] Until about 1310, no metal fitting was put⟳ at the top, only a chappe at the point⟳ end⟳ to prevent⟳ it from wearing away, but after this date⟳ there was always[…]”

“The chappe helped prevent⟳ the scabbard's end⟳ from being worn down and kept the sword's tip⟳ from poking through. The chappe originally meant a flap extension of the grip itself.”

“chappes and spun silks”

“For quotations using this term, see⟳ Citations:chappe.”

CEFR level