Lower Cannon - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

The term "lower cannon" refers to the part of a suit of plate armor that protects the lower arm, specifically from the elbow to the wrist. It's often used interchangeably with "vambrace", although some sources may differentiate subtle design variations. Think of it as the lower half of a metal sleeve for your arm. The lower cannon's purpose was to deflect blows from weapons. Together with the upper cannon (or rerebrace) it provided full arm protection. Armor design was crucial for survival in medieval combat.

Etymology

The etymology of "lower cannon" is fairly straightforward. "Lower" indicates its position on the arm, and "cannon" in this context refers to a tubular piece of armor. The term "cannon" has been used in military terminology to describe various cylindrical objects, including parts of armor. Etymologically, "cannon" traces back to Latin roots meaning "tube" or "reed." So, lower cannon literally means the lower tube protecting the arm.

Related Words

Examples

• "The knight's lower cannon was dented from a sword blow during the battle."
• "A skilled armorer crafted the lower cannon to ensure a snug and secure fit."
• "Historical reenactors often wear lower cannons as part of their armor."
• "The lower cannon helped protect the warrior's forearm from injury."

Encouragement

Learning about historical terms like 'lower cannon' can make history more engaging and relevant. Explore the world of medieval armor and warfare. Unleash your inner historian! 🤓

Learn More

📖 Learn more on Wikipedia