Besague is a rare word that is spelled phonetically as /bɛsəˈɡju/. This word refers to the leather strap or loop that is used to fasten a horse's stirrups to the saddle. The spelling of besague reflects the origin of the word, which is French. Interestingly, the word has several possible spellings including "bisague" and "bessaygue." However, despite the slight differences in spelling, the pronunciation of the word remains the same. Besagues were commonly used in medieval times and are still used in traditional equestrian disciplines today.
Besague is a noun that refers to a piece of medieval armor used to protect a horse's head during battle. It is specifically a metal plate or shield that is affixed to the front of a warhorse's headgear, typically covering the forehead and extending down to protect the nose.
The primary purpose of a besague was to protect the horse from weapons such as arrows, spears, and other projectiles that could otherwise cause serious injury or death. It acted as a protective barrier against potential blows to the horse's head, providing an additional layer of defense for both the horse and its rider.
Besagues were commonly made from durable and strong materials such as iron or steel, designed to withstand the impact of weapons and provide maximum protection. They were often decorated or adorned with intricate and ornate designs, showcasing the wealth and status of the horse's rider.
In addition to its practical use in battle, besagues also held symbolic significance as a representation of the knight's prowess and bravery. They were often ornately embellished to demonstrate the knight's elite status and to intimidate enemies on the battlefield.
Overall, besagues play a significant role in understanding the historical context of medieval warfare and the importance placed on protecting both the knight and the horse during combat.
The word "besague" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Old French word "besague" or "besaigue", which originally referred to a piece of armor. The Old French term was borrowed from the Old High German word "bizo", meaning "a strap or thong". The Old High German word itself is related to the Middle High German word "bise", which signifies "leather strap". Therefore, the word "besague" can be traced back to the Germanic roots of Old High German, ultimately meaning a strap or thong used in armor.