jambeau

noun

jam·beau ˈjam-(ˌ)bō

plural jambeaux ˈjam-(ˌ)bōz

: a piece of medieval armor for the leg below the knee see armor illustration

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably modification of Anglo-French jambers, plural, from jambe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of jambeau was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

jamb brick

jambeau

jambee

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Jambeau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jambeau. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

hobbit

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Popular Features

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden