a close-fitting sleeveless tunic or overdress worn in the 14th century, often featuring side laces or buttons down the front.
From Old French 'cote' (tunic) and 'hardie' (possibly from 'hardy' or 'hardi', meaning daring or bold). The garment was a daring fashion because of its tight, revealing fit.
The cotehardie scandalized medieval society with its form-fitting design—church officials actually complained that it was too revealing and indecent! It's the medieval equivalent of controversial fashion that parents disapproved of.
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