álabes

Alabes are a type of medieval armor designed to protect the thighs. They typically consist of a series of overlapping metal plates, often articulated to allow for flexibility and ease of movement. These plates were usually attached to a padded garment worn underneath, such as a pair of chausses or braies, or sometimes to a pair of breeches. The primary purpose of alabes was to provide a high level of protection to the upper legs, which were vulnerable areas in combat. They were a common component of full plate armor worn by knights and men-at-arms from the 14th century onwards. The design and complexity of alabes varied, with some being relatively simple extensions of thigh defenses, while others were more elaborate and integrated into the overall suit of armor. The term alabes is derived from the Arabic word "al-jawsan," meaning breastplate, though its application evolved to specifically denote thigh armor in European contexts. Their use diminished with the advent of more refined and streamlined armor designs, but they represent an important stage in the development of full body protection for medieval warriors.