Defenses for the thighs. During the 14th century cuisses were at first either
leather ,
splinted leather,
cuirboille , or quilted cloth. These defenses were often elaborately carved and studded, and probably
painted as well. From the middle of the 14th century, these experimental materials for cuisses were frequently replaced by primitive plate. By the 1380s, the cuisse was often made from one broad piece covering most of the thigh and one or more smaller pieces at the hip.
Arming points are provided at the top for the cuisse so that the cuisse can be laced to the arming hose or
gambeson . This form of cuisse remained popular during the whole of the 15th century, divided in style according to the
Gothic or
Milanese fashion. During the 15th century a wrap plate was also added to the cuisse to defend the back of the thigh, especially as foot combat for knights became more common.
The defense of the knee, the
poleyn , was attached either to the cuisse directly (usually before 1350) or
articulated using
lames to create a moveable joint. The latter half of the 14th century saw also the development of full
greaves used to defend the shin and lower leg, and
sabatons for the defense of the feet. See also
Leg harness for a more detailed and complete development during the 14th century.
