brasset

/ˈbɹæs.ət/

Etymology

Attested since at least 1676 for arm-armour (see brassard). Application to helmets dates to at least the 1840s, of obscure origin, perhaps a misinterpretation: an early mention in Alphonso Wood's 1845 Class-book of Botany defines it broadly ("Eng. brasset signifies a helmet or target", i.e. shield), and around this time antiquarians spread mistaken definitions of several other armor terms (e.g. manefaire, passguard).

noun

A casque or armour covering for the head; a helmet.“2nd Arm. [...] Enlighten me, good Andalusian, in like fashion as thou bringest out the polish upon thy noble master's gold-inlaid lambrequins [helmet-draperies]. 1st Arm. [...] I will reveal to thee why I scrub this harness with a joyful spirit. It is because it will have to stand no rougher blows than sun-strokes [...]; whereas there were times when it would go to my heart to expend pumice, emery”