Note 47 — Chapter II

Ailettes first appear in the second half of the thirteenth century and continued in fashion for about sixty years. They assume various forms, and were worn upright at the outsides of the shoulders, attached by laces. On brasses they appear at the backs of the shoulders, but this is probably for the reason that the artists found some practical difficulty in picturing them so as to appear as they were really worn. It is not clear whether these singular pieces were intended for defence or to be used as planes for the ensignment of heraldic devices; it is certain, however, that they could afford but little protection against a stroke from a sword or a battle-axe.