Bucklor

Bucklor is a term found in historical sources as a variant spelling of buckler, the small round shield used in close-quarters combat from the High Middle Ages onward. The bucklor served as a compact defensive tool intended to deflect blows and create openings for counterattacks, typically held by a grip or strapped to the forearm.

Design and construction of bucklors varied, but they were generally circular or near-circular in shape and made from materials such as wood, leather, and, in some cases, metal fittings. Most bucklors featured a simple center grip, with a leather thong or strap to help retain the shield during movement. The emphasis was on light weight and maneuverability to permit rapid parries and swift transitions to offense.

Historically, the bucklor was used in conjunction with longer weapons like swords or daggers. Parrying with the bucklor could reduce exposure to attacks while enabling a quick counterattack. The shield could also serve ceremonial or symbolic purposes in certain contexts, beyond its practical use in combat.

In modern times, bucklors appear in historical reenactment, stage combat, and some martial arts traditions that recreate medieval fighting styles. In popular culture, the term occasionally appears as a variant spelling or fictional shield in fantasy literature and games.

Etymology: The form bucklor is related to buckler; both derive from the same roots as bouclier, the French word for shield.