Pronunciation: [pˈavən] (IPA) 
The word "Paven" is a variant spelling of "Pavane," which refers to a slow, stately dance. The IPA phonetic transcription of "Paven" is /pəˈveɪn/. The first syllable "pə" is pronounced as "puh", followed by "veɪn" which sounds like "vain". The letter "e" in this spelling indicates that the second syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound. Although uncommon, the spelling "Paven" is still recognized as an acceptable variant of "Pavane."
Paven, often spelled as paen or poyn, is a term that originated in medieval English and refers to a type of heavy armor worn by medieval knights as a form of body protection. Specifically, paven is a quilted garment or vest made of sturdy fabric that was typically worn underneath the main armor or chainmail to provide additional padding and protection. The paven was commonly constructed with multiple layers of cloth or wool that were stitched together in a quilted fashion, creating a cushioning effect against blows or strikes during combat.
The purpose of the paven was to absorb and disperse the force of impacts, reducing the risk of injury to the wearer. It was often considered an essential part of a knight's armor ensemble, especially during the medieval period when plate armor was not yet prevalent. The paven could be secured in place using various means, including straps, buckles, or hooks, to ensure that it remained firmly attached to the body.
Over time, as armor technology evolved, the paven eventually became obsolete and was replaced by more advanced forms of protective gear. However, its historical significance and contribution to medieval warfare cannot be overstated. The word paven is rarely used in modern contexts, but it remains an important term for understanding the development and function of medieval armors.
The word Paven is believed to have originated from the Middle English term pavane, which was borrowed from the Old French word pavane. The Old French term was derived from the Spanish word pavana or pabana, which referred to a slow, stately dance. Ultimately, the Spanish word can be traced back to the Latin word papilio, meaning butterfly, as the dance was characterized by graceful movements resembling the fluttering of butterfly wings. Over time, the spelling of the word in English shifted from pavane to paven.
