chappe — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A piece, typically of leather, fitted to the crossguard of European swords of the later medieval period, attested mainly in art, of uncertain purpose.

   Synonyms

   rainguard

   Examples

   […] part of the cross-guard. Often these chappes - a word, incidentally, that means “capes” - were decorated in needlework with the arms or device of the owner.

   From the chappe to three fourths the length of the blade runs a pronounced center ridge.

   More examples (1)

   […] with no passion for warfare, perhaps it was a little incongruous that I had been crafting swords since I was a boy. […] The design of the grip was particularly important to me, as was finding an appropriate jewel for the pommel, and I signed each of my creations with the symbol of the pyramid on the chappe, an autograph to mark the sword as one of my own.