Baldrick
/ˈbɔːldrɪk/noun
A belt or sash worn diagonally across the body to support a sword, horn, or other object.
Did you know?A baldrick was commonly worn over one shoulder and across the chest, making it both a practical weapon-support and a visible badge of rank.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic (reconstructed)
PGmc
*baldrīkaz
“A proposed Germanic source for the word, possibly connected with ideas of boldness and rule; the analysis is not certain.”
Old French
Old French
baudré / baudrier
“A belt or shoulder strap used to support a sword or similar weapon.”
12th–13th Century
Anglo-Norman
baudric / baldric
“A sword belt or broad strap worn across the body.”
14th Century
Middle English
baudrik / baldrik
“A belt or sash, especially one used to carry a sword.”
Modern English
English
baldrick
“A diagonal shoulder belt supporting a sword, horn, or other object.”