This glossary of terms accompanies the Medieval Lesson Plan found on this site.

Use this glossary to help your child understand terms used in the Medieval Lesson Plan for Kids.

Armor

A covering made of iron to protect the body during battle against weapons. Armor could weigh from 40 to 60 pounds and was very uncomfortable.

Castle

A huge building that served as both a home and a fort in Medieval times. It has tall towers, is made from brick and mortar, and provided security and protection from attackers. A king, his lady, and nobleman lived in castles as well. They were dark, damp, and cold.

Catapult

A contraption used to launch huge rocks in the air at oncoming attackers.

Chivalry

Rules that knights had to follow in order to keep their knighthood. Includes courtesy, generosity, bravery, and the ability to use weapons properly. The term is stilled used today when a man opens the door for a woman or lets a woman go first into a room. Any situation that shows honor and respect.

Coat of Arms

A symbol that knights used to show their family line, accomplishments they have achieved, a motto to sum up what they believe in, among other things. A motto could be something like, "Service to the King." The Coat of Arms was usually divided into sections to explain different things specific to the knight that designed it. Parts of a Coat of Arms include a helm, a shield, a motto, a field, a mantling, supporters, a compartment, a wreath, and a crest. Here is an example of a Coat of Arms.

Commoner

The lowest class of people in Medieval times. They were the most poor and had to pay the highest taxes. They did not have a good survival rate, as they often were left hungry and without shelter.

Crossbow

A weapon consisting of a bow fixed crosswise on a stock to fling an object in the air. Often used in battles in the Middle Ages.

Foe

An enemy.

Fort

The part of a castle where battles took place. A fort was often very strong to provide protection. The fort was usually surrounded by a thick wall and a moat.

Fortress

Same as a fort, but includes protecting the entire castle, and not just the battle positions.

Joust

A combat between two knights, whereas they charge at each other on horses. They are holding lances and struck at each other as they passed, trying to knock each other off their horse. Many knights died this way. It showed who was strongest. Jousts were made into tournaments where there would be one winner for the day.

Knight

A medieval soldier who wore armor. A knight was appointed by the king after proving himself worthy of all the duties that a knight undertakes, including generosity, bravery, and courtesy.

Lady

The king's wife. A lady was often forced to marry because families wanted to keep the rich together. A lady was not thought to be of high position like the king.

Lance

A long wooden shaft with a pointed metal head. It was used as a weapon by knights while charging in a joust.

Living Quarters

The part of a castle where the king, lady, and nobleman occupied as their home. It was usually on the other end of the castle away from the fort.

Medieval

Anything relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages. Characteristics of medieval times includes knights, chivalry, and castles.

Moat

A deep ditch surrounding a castle that is filled with water. The moat made it more difficult for enemies to attack the castle.

Nobleman

A man born in a wealthy family or from a long line of rich families. Noblemen often lived in castles and helped the king keep order in his kingdom.

Nun

A woman who belongs to a religious order and is devoted to active service. Nuns lived by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The daughter of a king and lady in the Middle Ages who could not be married-off was usually sent to be a nun.