1. loose outer garments worn over armor or other clothing, especially in medieval times
Usage: historical; plural of surcoat

Examples

• The knights wore colorful surcoats displaying their family crests.
• Medieval surcoats helped identify warriors on the battlefield.
• The museum displayed several well-preserved surcoats from the 13th century.
• Heraldic symbols were often embroidered on knights’ surcoats.
• The ceremonial surcoats were made of fine silk and velvet.