Armor plating that protects the lower part of the leg and foot, used in medieval warfare.
From Middle French, possibly from Old French bes- (combining form) plus Old French chausse (hose/leg armor); the word reflects medieval military terminology.
Medieval knights wore so much armor that their legs accounted for about 25% of their body weight in metal—besagnes were just one piece of an insane metal puzzle that made mobility nearly impossible.
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