Amigaut
Definition: A slit in the fabric around the neck hole of both male and female garments, meant to make the garment easier to put on. May also refer to a decorative piece surrounding the arm hole. The plural form is "amigaux".
Period: Technically any period, but it is used chiefly in describing Medieval and "Renaissance" garments.
Etymology: Borrowed from Middle French, perhaps sometime during the 15th century, corresponding with the use of this spelling in France (attested there from at least 1430).
Other terms: Emingaut (late 13thc) and amingault.
In context:
"A l'entree de Charles VIII à Paris, en 1484, le premier président était revétu de son manteau à lambeaux sur les épaules, et amigaux, et un chappeau rond de velours noir brodé d'or." (Godefroy, Observations sur l'histoire de Charles VIII, an 1484, p 433.)
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"At the entrance of Charles VIII in Paris, the premier président was dressed in his manteau à lambeaux [lit. "tattered cloak" - paned cloak?] on his shoulders, and amigaux, and a round hat of black velvet embroidered with gold." (Godefroy, Observations sur l'histoire de Charles VIII, year 1484, p 433.)
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Examples:
Herjolfsnes 39 (woman's surcote), ca late 14th century, the National Museum of Denmark
This surcote was found at the site of Herjolfsnes, a farm owned by Herjólfr Bárðarson during the Norse colonization of Greenland (980's - after 1430), headed by Erik the Red. It was worn by a woman in her 30's who would have been about 4'11"/150cm if not for a hunchback and spinal curvature, which shortened her to around 4'9"/145cm. The date is uncertain but it was probably from the later part of the colonization when most settlers had already returned home to Denmark due to the difficulty of working the harsh climate. A small amigaut is seen at the front of the neckline. There are who holes on either side through which to loop string. |