mesail

English

Etymology

Probably from Old French muçaille (“concealment”), via French mézail; only attested in English since the 1800s (also spelled mezail, mursail). Alternatively, a connection to muzzle has also been suggested.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmɛseɪl/

Noun

mesail (plural mesails)

1. (historical) The visor of a helmet, especially when made in two parts.

   Coordinate terms: visor, bevor

   • 1968, Paul Martin, Armour and Weapons, Random House Business:

     The mesail face-defence, still consisting of the visor with its eye-slits and noseguard attached to the helmet by two pivots, could be raised or lowered at will, while the two shell-shaped cheek-pieces formed a bevor or chin [guard].

   • 1992, Guy Francis Laking, A Record of European Armour and Arms Through Seven Centuries, page 42:

     The workmanship is sound, but not fine—portions of a visor and a mesail and a chin-piece of the period of Elizabeth have been added to it.

Alternative forms

• mezail

Anagrams

• Esmail, Lamies, Maisel, Misael, Salemi, Sliema, e-mails, emails, mesial, samiel

Turkish

Noun

mesail

1. nominative plural of mesele

   Synonym: meseleler