besague: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Extremely Rare / ArchaicTechnical / Historical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “besague” mean?
A round plate of armour, historically attached at the armpit or shoulder to protect vulnerable gaps in plate armour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A round plate of armour, historically attached at the armpit or shoulder to protect vulnerable gaps in plate armour.
A small, round or oval reinforcing plate used in historical armour, often decorative, covering joints or points of articulation. It can also refer more broadly to any similar circular protective plate or disc in metalwork.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No meaningful difference in usage or spelling. The word is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
Scholarly, antiquarian, or related to historical arms and armour.
Frequency
Extremely rare and confined to specialist literature in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “besague” in a Sentence
a besague of [material] (e.g., steel)the besague on his [armour/joint]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in specialised historical or archaeological papers on arms and armour.
Everyday
Not used; would be incomprehensible to most speakers.
Technical
Primary domain. Used by armourers, museum curators, historians, and historical re-enactors.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “besague”
- Misspelling as 'besage' or 'besaigue'.
- Incorrectly using it for any kind of modern protective pad or guard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and archaic term known only to specialists in historical arms and armour.
Its primary historical function was to protect vulnerable gaps in plate armour, particularly at the shoulder or armpit, from weapon thrusts.
No, using it for modern equipment would be incorrect and confusing. Use terms like 'shoulder pad', 'guard', or 'reinforcement plate' instead.
In its specific armour context, the closest synonym is 'roundel'.
Besague is usually technical / historical / literary in register.
Besague: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛzəɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛzəɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BESAILOR (a bee in a sailor suit) wearing a small, round plate on his shoulder as protection: BEE-SAILOR → BESAGUE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A DISC; VULNERABILITY IS A GAP TO BE PLUGGED.
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'besague'?