Pronunciation: [ɡˈambɪsən] (IPA) 
The word "gambison" is often misspelled as "gambeson" due to its origin in Middle English where the letter "i" was used interchangeably with the letter "e". The correct spelling of "gambison" is pronounced as /ˈɡæmbɪsən/ and refers to a padded defensive garment worn under armor. The word is derived from the Old French "gambesun" which means "doublet for the legs", reflecting the garment's original purpose of protecting the lower body.
A gambison, also spelled "gambeson," is a type of padded garment typically worn as a form of protective armor. Derived from the Old French word "gambais" meaning "padded legging," the term refers to a quilted or padded jacket often made of multiple layers of fabric, such as linen or wool.
The gambison serves as an essential component in medieval war attire, providing additional protection against weapon strikes, particularly those from bladed weapons like swords or axes. Its primary purpose is to absorb and distribute the impact of a blow, reducing the risk of injury to the wearer. The layers of padding or quilting within the gambison are specifically designed to cushion the body and disperse the force of an attack.
Gambisons were commonly worn underneath plate armor or chainmail, as well as independently as a standalone protective garment. They were particularly popular during the 14th and 15th centuries, when plate armor became more prevalent in battlefields. Furthermore, gambisons were an integral part of attire for knights, soldiers, and men-at-arms, as well as for archers, providing them with an additional layer of protection amidst combat.
Apart from its use in conflict, the gambison also found applications in other activities, such as jousting and martial arts training. In jousting, wearing a gambison beneath the knight's armor added extra protection during the jousting competitions. In martial arts, a light padded version of the gambison, often made of foam or synthetic materials, is utilized for sparring and training purposes.
Overall, the gambison functions as a protective garment that safeguards an individual from the impact of weapons and enhances their survivability in battle.
The word "gambison" has its origins in the Middle English language. It is derived from the Old French word "gambeson", which comes from the Late Latin word "wambesium". In turn, "wambesium" originates from the Germanic compound word "wamba", which means "belly" or "waist". The original connotation of "gambison" referred to a type of padded defensive clothing worn underneath chainmail or plate armor during the medieval period. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved, and it came to be known as "gambeson" or "gambison" in English.
