Meaning of hounskull | Babel Free

Definitions

A type of visor, drawn out into a conical point like a muzzle or beak which improved ventilation and deflected blows, or a helmet having such a visor.

Examples

“On the counter is a hounskull with aventail (a visored bascinet with mail tippet) with a small plume on the apex. A pair of bell-cuffed gauntlets and an arming sword hang outside.”

“The big helmets that might have given many knights claustrophobia were gradually abolished for “hounskulls”, close-fitting steel caps with pointed visors that could be flicked open for easier breathing.”

“The most characteristic form of visor was the so-called “hounskull,” which featured a pointed snout that helped to deflect weapons, as well as giving the wearer an intimidating, bestial look; other visors had a rounded face.”

“Others showed signs of traumatic impact: a hounskull bascinet, split across the snout as if by an axe; a piece of chainmail, smashed breast to waist by a lance or a spiked mace.”

“There were knights everywhere, all around him a chaos of ghastly pointed hounskulls, a kaleidoscope of crosses and coats of arms on shields, a hurricane of flashing swords, a maelstrom of horses' teeth, chests and hooves.”

CEFR level