A metal face guard or protective plate worn by a horse in medieval warfare, covering the horse's forehead and muzzle.
From French 'chanfrein,' of uncertain ultimate origin but possibly from Old French elements meaning 'face' or 'white' combined with 'bridle.' This variant spelling reflects different anglicization of the French term.
Medieval horses were fashion statements as much as weapons—some chanfrons were etched with family crests and gilded, turning a war-horse into a mobile billboard announcing which noble family was about to charge at you.
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