An outer garment originally worn by medievalsoldiers over their armor to show insignia and help identify what side the soldier was on.
In the 12th century, knights formerly wore surcoats over their armor until suits of plate armor were developed in the 15th century. The surcoat also protected them from poor weather, as well as reflecting heat from the sun. Like the tabard, the surcoat can also bear the wearer's coat of arms.
Compared to a tabard, surcoats are longer and don't have side slits.
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