Surcoat

Surcoat

Surcoat. A loose frock without sleeves, worn by Military men overtheir Armour, on it, their Arms were sometimes painted or embroided. P. 39, f. 20.

" The Surcoat, originated with the crusadei"3for the purpose of distinguishing the many different nations serving under the banntr of the cross, and to throw a veil over the iron armour, so apt to heat excessively when exposed to the direct rays of the Sun." Meyrick.