Bevor is a term used to refer to a piece of armor that covers the neck and chin. The spelling of "bevor" stems from its German origin where the word is spelled "Bartschutz." The pronunciation of Bevor is "bi-ˈvȯr" according to the IPA phonetic transcription. The "e" in the first syllable is pronounced like the letter "i" in "it," whereas the "o" in the second syllable is pronounced like the letter "aw" in "saw." The final "r" in "Bevor" is silent.
A bevor refers to a type of armor worn to protect the throat and lower jaw of a person, especially in medieval times. Derived from the Middle English word "beaver," which means beaver, the bevor became an important component of a knight’s armor ensemble during the 14th and 15th centuries. Primarily made of metal plates, the bevor is typically fastened to a bascinet or a close-fitting helmet, providing additional protection to the knight's head, face, and neck. It consists of a curved piece that covers the chin, as well as additional sections that extend downwards to guard the lower jaw and throat.
Constructed for defensive purposes, the bevor played a crucial role in safeguarding vital areas of the neck and head during combat. Its purpose was to prevent direct hits and injuries from slashing or thrusting weapons, such as swords, spears, or arrows. The design of the bevor allowed mobility and flexibility, ensuring that the wearer could move their head and neck without hinderance, while still maintaining sufficient protection.
In contemporary times, the bevor is predominantly associated with historical reenactments, museums, and scholarly studies of medieval armor and warfare. Its form and function are appreciated for their historical significance and contribution to the evolution of personal protective equipment in warfare.
The word "bevor" comes from the Middle English term "byfore", which means "in front" or "in the presence of". It is derived from the Old English word "be-fore", with "be-" indicating "by" or "near" and "-fore" meaning "in front of" or "before". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of "byfore" evolved into "bevor". The term "bevor" also refers to a piece of armor worn to protect the neck and throat, particularly during the medieval period.