Camail meaning

A camail is a piece of armor designed to protect the neck and shoulders of a warrior.


Camail definitions

Word backwards liamac
Part of speech The word "camail" is a noun.
Syllabic division ca-mail
Plural The plural form of the word camail is camails.
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) a,i
Consonants (3) c,m,l

What is a Camail?

A camail is a type of neck armor that was commonly used during the medieval period. It is also known as an aventail or a mail collar. The camail is made up of interlocking metal rings that are woven together to form a protective mesh. This piece of armor was typically attached to a helmet or coif and provided protection to the neck and shoulders of the wearer.

History of the Camail

The camail was first introduced in the 12th century and became a popular form of protection for knights and soldiers. It was often worn in conjunction with other pieces of armor such as a hauberk or a gambeson. The camail provided added protection to vulnerable areas of the body, particularly the neck, which was a common target in battle.

Construction of a Camail

A camail is typically made of either riveted or butted rings, with riveted rings offering superior protection due to their reinforced construction. The rings are interlocked in a specific pattern to create a flexible yet strong mesh that can withstand blows from weapons. The camail is attached to the helmet or coif using leather straps or laces, allowing for movement and adjustability.

Use of the Camail in Battle

During battle, the camail played a crucial role in protecting the neck and shoulders of the wearer from sword cuts, arrows, and other forms of attack. The flexibility of the mesh allowed for ease of movement, while still providing a high level of security. The camail was often worn underneath a surcoat or tabard, adding an extra layer of defense to the wearer's armor.

Legacy of the Camail

While the use of the camail eventually declined with the advent of more advanced forms of armor, its legacy lives on in modern depictions of medieval warriors. The camail remains an iconic piece of armor that symbolizes the bravery and strength of those who wore it into battle.


Camail Examples

  1. The knight wore a protective camail under his helm.
  2. She carefully inspected the intricate design of the camail.
  3. The camail provided additional defense for the warrior in battle.
  4. The metal links of the camail clinked together as he moved.
  5. The blacksmith crafted a sturdy camail for the soldier.
  6. The knight fastened the camail securely around his neck.
  7. Her camail shimmered in the sunlight as she rode into battle.
  8. He adjusted the camail to ensure a comfortable fit.
  9. The camail protected his neck and shoulders from sword strikes.
  10. She cleaned the camail after a long day of training.


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  • Updated 29/03/2024 - 09:24:26