View source for Bracer

A '''bracer''' is a piece of [[archery]] equipment that protects the inside of one's forearm when using a [[bow]] from 'string slap' (where the released string strikes the forearm as the [[bow]] straightens).

Bracers are generally made of [[leather]], although examples made of [[horn]] and [[ivory]] have been found.

They differ from [[vambrace]]s in that they are generally much smaller, have the [[buckle]]s or lacing on the outer part of the arm and were worn singly. 

[[Medieval]] bracers are quite small and it is thought that there may have been some amount of 'see how tough I am' associated with using a small bracer. It could equally have been economy.

Historically, the [[England|English]] also used the term to describe plate defences for the entire arm.

[[category:armour]]
[[category:archery]]