1. Plural of gambeson; padded defensive jackets or tunics worn under or instead of armor in medieval times.
Usage: historical; also called a padded jack or aketon

Examples

• Medieval soldiers often wore gambesons beneath their plate armor for extra protection.
• Gambesons were made of layers of linen or wool stuffed with cotton or other padding.
• Poorer soldiers sometimes wore only gambesons instead of expensive metal armor.
• The museum displayed several well-preserved gambesons from the 14th century.
• Gambesons helped absorb the impact of sword blows and arrows.