Hauberk
/ˈhɔːbərk/noun
A medieval mail shirt or coat of armor, usually covering the torso and upper arms.
Did you know?Hauberk ultimately comes from a Germanic word for a protective garment, and its journey through French into English is a reminder that even battle-words often began as everyday clothing terms.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*haruberkô
“a protective garment or coat”
Old High German
OHG
halsberc / hubaerc
“a coat or tunic, especially a protective one”
Old French
OF
hauberc
“a mail shirt or armor shirt”
12th Century
English
hauberk
“a mail shirt worn as armor”
Modern English
English
hauberk
“a medieval mail shirt or coat of armor”