\Clay"more`\,
n. [Gael. claidheamhmor a broadsword; Gael. claidheamh sword + mor
great, large. Cf. Claymore.] A large two-handed sword used formerly
by the Scottish Highlanders.
Medieval
shields were usually very strong because of the newly
developed weapons which could easily destroy a light shield.
A shield's primary function was to defend
a soldier against swords or projectiles. Projectiles were
useless against shields (unless they were longbows, and the
shields practically worthless). Additionally, foot soldiers
could arrange themselves and box up - meaning that they could
have protection from three sides by cooperatively aligning
their shields which could help them progress slowly and steadily
while minimizing damage caused from projectiles and swords.
The
second main function of a shield was of recognition.
A shield very frequently carried the emblem of the country
to which the soldier belonged. Battles were often very confusing
and recognizing who was a friend and foe could be a very tedious
labor - hence the construction of shields with emblems for
an easier recognition.
The
third function of a shield was to attack. Even though
this is quite unbelievable since a shield was mainly designed
to be defensive, shields could also be offensive. Better shields
would very frequently have a sharp side so the user could
hit his enemy and kill him with one blow. A shield, since
it was made of metal and very heavy, could easily kill an
enemy in a single strike. Of course they were very slow -
but that didn't matter as a strong wielder could easily move
it fast enough to accomplish his main purpose of survival
by killing.
As
it can be noted, shields were very effective and thus their
enormous use. There was a huge variety of shields
The
second main function of a shield was of recognition.
A shield very frequently carried the emblem of the country
to which the soldier belonged. Battles were often very confusing
and recognizing who was a friend and foe could be a very tedious
labor - hence the construction of shields with emblems for
an easier recognition.
The
third function of a shield was to attack. Even though
this is quite unbelievable since a shield was mainly designed
to be defensive, shields could also be offensive. Better shields
would very frequently have a sharp side so the user could
hit his enemy and kill him with one blow. A shield, since
it was made of metal and very heavy, could easily kill an
enemy in a single strike. Of course they were very slow -
but that didn't matter as a strong wielder could easily move
it fast enough to accomplish his main purpose of survival
by killing.
As
it can be noted, shields were very effective and thus their
enormous use. There was a huge variety of shields