[a. F. armet, also in OF. armette, dim. of arme.] A kind of helmet introduced about the middle of the 15th century, in place of the basinet. It consisted of a globular iron cap, spreading out with a large hollowed projection over the back of the neck, and protected in front by the visor, beaver, and gorget. (Boutell.)
1507. Justes May & June, 87, in Hazl., E. P. P., II. 124. They spared not cors, armyt, nor yet vambrace.
1577. Holinshed, Chron., III. 853/1. Foure headpieces called armites.
1795. Southey, Joan of Arc, Wks. IX. 279. Smote on his neck, his neck Unfenced, for he in haste aroused had cast An armet on.
