Henry's Medieval ABCs - Part 2 Quiz

Answer: Kirtle

The kirtle is usually worn over a chemise or smock (which is the equivalent of a slip), and under a surcoat, or gown. Kirtles are decorated with a variety of embellishments, and normally are laced in the front, back, or sides.

Answer: Loop

My lady says that the loop was invented by the Greek Archimedes when the Romans were laying siege to Syracuse. He found the slits would allow archers to shoot arrows and be protected by the walls at the same time. Loops, also called loopholes, are made in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the weapons castle defenders will use.

Answer: Mead

The monks in the monastery nearby keep bees, and make mead with their honey. Sometimes it is flavoured with the meadowsweet plant. My lord, the Earl of Warwick, buys his mead from them!

Answer: Noble

A noble is an English gold coin worth six shillings and eight pence (= eighty pence), which is the equivalent of one-third of a pound sterling. It is the first English gold coin that was produced in quantity, beginning with the reign of King Edward III.

Answer: Or

In heraldry, tinctures are the colors that are used to emblazon a coat of arms. From the French word "or", for gold, the color is frequently depicted as yellow. It is said to represent the topaz, the sun, gold, and faith, obedience and gentility.

Answer: Posset

When my lady orders a posset, it is because one of us is not feeling well. We usually drink this when we are under the weather, but some people drink it because they say it keeps maladies away.

Answer: Quintain

My lord's knights use the quintain to train for war and jousting. They try to hit the shield with their lance while on horseback, and then get out of the way before the sand bag swings around to hit them.

Answer: Rubricator

Rubricators are specially trained scribes who use the red ink for emphasis. Many times red headings are used to mark the end of one section and the beginning of another. Sometimes the headings are used to introduce a subject, and other times they may declare its purpose. Scribes may be directed to use other colors, such as blue and green, as well.

Answer: Sallet

The helmet is made to be worn without a visor, so it gives our longbowmen a wider range of vision. The sides of the bottom are drawn forward to cover the cheeks and chin, and the rear curves out to protect the neck.

Answer: Tourney

The tourney is a competition for knights. A general fight, called the melee, where two sides of knights came together at a charge, is one of the main features of the tourney. There is jousting and sword fighting as well. It is a time to show off one's skills, especially to the ladies!