Rerebrace, a piece of armor that protects the upper arm, is an interesting word to spell. It is pronounced as /ˈrɪərbrəs/ with the stress on the first syllable. The word's spelling consists of two parts: "rere," meaning "rear" or "back" and "brace," meaning "armor for the arm." The unique spelling of "rerebrace" reflects its medieval origins, when armor was a vital part of warfare. This word's spelling offers us a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of language and the history of warfare.
A "rerebrace" is a noun referring to a piece of armor that protects the upper arm. Specifically, it denotes a segment or plate of armor that shields the back portion of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow. The term "rerebrace" originated from the Middle English words "rere" meaning "back" and "brace" meaning "armored plate."
Rerebraces were commonly utilized by knights and soldiers during the medieval period, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries. They were an essential component of a full suit of armor, safeguarding the upper arm from blows and strikes that could cause significant harm or injury in battle. Constructed from layers of strong metal, typically steel, rerebraces were designed with intricate articulation that allowed for ease of movement while providing optimal protection. They were often paired with other pieces of arm armor, such as vambraces (arm guards) and pauldrons (shoulder plates), forming a cohesive defensive ensemble.
In combat, the rerebrace acted as a crucial barrier against weapons such as swords, axes, or maces, deflecting or absorbing the force of incoming attacks. Due to its strategic position and function, the rerebrace played a vital role in ensuring the safety and combat effectiveness of the wearer. Today, rerebraces serve as tangible relics of the historical significance and development of armor, capturing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of past eras.
The word "rerebrace" is derived from Middle English, which was spoken from the 12th to the 15th centuries. It comes from the Old French term "rerebras", meaning "back-arm", which itself is a combination of the words "rere" (meaning "back") and "bras" (meaning "arm"). The term originally referred to a piece of armor that protected the upper arm and was part of a complete suit of armor worn during the medieval period.