mesail

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English

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Etymology

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Probably from Old French muçaille (concealment), via French mézail; only attested in English since the 1800s (also spelled mezail, mursail). Alternatively, a connection to muzzle has also been suggested.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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mesail (plural mesails)

  1. (historical) The visor of a helmet, especially when made in two parts.
    Coordinate terms: visor, bevor
    • 1968, Paul Martin, Armour and Weapons, Random House Business:
      The mesail face-defence, still consisting of the visor with its eye-slits and noseguard attached to the helmet by two pivots, could be raised or lowered at will, while the two shell-shaped cheek-pieces formed a bevor or chin [guard].
    • 1992, Guy Francis Laking, A Record of European Armour and Arms Through Seven Centuries, page 42:
      The workmanship is sound, but not fine—portions of a visor and a mesail and a chin-piece of the period of Elizabeth have been added to it.

Alternative forms

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Anagrams

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Turkish

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Noun

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mesail

  1. nominative plural of mesele
    Synonym: meseleler