pourpoint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obscure/HistoricalFormal (Historical, Academic)
Quick answer
What does “pourpoint” mean?
A heavily padded and quilted garment worn under armour in the late Middle Ages.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavily padded and quilted garment worn under armour in the late Middle Ages.
A historical garment, the forerunner of the doublet, worn by men in the 14th–15th centuries, characterized by its close fit and padding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; term is equally archaic and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Scholarly, historical re-enactment, museum contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare; encountered almost exclusively in historical texts, costuming, or academic papers.
Grammar
How to Use “pourpoint” in a Sentence
[subject] wears/wore a pourpointThe pourpoint was [past participle verb, e.g., quilted, laced]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, fashion history, or medieval studies contexts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in historical re-enactment, theatrical costuming, and armour-making guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pourpoint”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pourpoint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pourpoint”
- Misspelling as 'poorpoint'.
- Using it to describe any modern padded jacket.
- Confusing it with a 'jerkin' (which is a sleeveless jacket).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The pourpoint is considered the direct predecessor of the doublet. While very similar, early pourpoints were specifically designed as arming garments (worn under armour), whereas the doublet evolved into a fashionable outer garment.
Primarily in books or documentaries on medieval history, in costume design for historical films/plays, or in the hobby of historical re-enactment.
It could be worn as a standalone garment for lighter protection or civilian dress, but its primary documented purpose was as a foundational layer for armour.
Typically from layers of linen or wool, stuffed with tow (coarse flax/hemp fibre) or wool, and quilted tightly to keep the padding in place.
A heavily padded and quilted garment worn under armour in the late Middle Ages.
Pourpoint is usually formal (historical, academic) in register.
Pourpoint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʊəpɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʊrpɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
POUR the padding INTO the POINT of the doublet's origin → POURPOINT.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORICAL GARMENT IS A LAYER OF PROTECTION (both physical and social status).
Practice
Quiz
A pourpoint is most closely associated with which era and function?