What does gorget mean?
A gorget is a protective piece of armor worn around the throat and upper chest, usually as part of a suit of plate armor or beneath a helmet. The word also has a specialized ornithological meaning: a patch of colored or contrasting feathers on the throat of certain birds, such as some ducks and hummingbirds. In historical dress, heraldry, and military description, gorget can refer more broadly to an ornamental collar or neck-covering component. Its modern associations combine the physical protection of armor with the striking visual effect of a bird's throat feathers. The term is uncommon in everyday conversation, but it remains useful for distinguishing the specific throat-covering element of armor and the vivid feather markings that may be important in bird identification. Although the word can sound unfamiliar, it describes both a practical piece of protection and a highly visible natural display.
nounA gorget is a piece of armor, often made of metal, that protects the throat and upper chest. The term can also refer to a colored patch of feathers on a bird's throat or to the neck-covering component of a helmet.
- A piece of armor protecting the throat and upper chest.
- The neck-covering component of a helmet.
- A patch of brightly colored feathers on the throat of certain birds.
- An ornamental collar or neckpiece, especially in historical dress or insignia.
"The knight fastened the steel gorget beneath his helmet."
"The knight fastened the steel gorget beneath his helmet."
"The male bird displayed a vivid blue gorget during the courtship display."
Plural gorgets refers to multiple protective collars, helmet components, or bird throat patches, depending on context.
"The museum preserves several gorgets from different periods of armor."
A gorget was once a knight's literal throat guard, while in birdwatching it can be a brilliant feathered throat patch that flashes during courtship displays.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gorget come from?
The English word gorget comes through Old French from gorge, meaning the throat, with the suffix -et indicating a smaller or reduced piece. In armor terminology, it developed to mean a collar or plate protecting the neck and throat. Its longer history belongs to the same broad family of European words connected with the throat, including gorge, gargle, and gurgle.
Related word forms
How gorget is actually used
The word is mainly historical or specialized in discussions of armor and heraldry, but it is also standard ornithological terminology. British pronunciation is commonly /ˈɡɔːdʒɪt/, while American pronunciation is commonly /ˈɡɔːrdʒɪt/.
Easily confused with gorget
A gorget is a protective collar or a bird's throat patch, whereas garget is a disease affecting the throat or, in plants, a disease of the root and lower stem.