HELMET

headpiece in armor. Early h’s were simply caps made of leather or metal, with attachments for protection of face and neck. In mediaeval times some h’s had a fixed nasal, while others had movable covers for protecting both upper and lower face, the whole head being covered during action. In XIV. cent. barred visors came into use. The armet first appears about 14438, and was a closed h., used only by horsemen. The XVI.-cent. morion had a _ projecting brim. Modern h’s worn by policemen and firemen are made of metal, felt, leather, or cork. The use of helmets in the shape of steel hat was revived in the armies of all the principal countries in the World War.