Pronunciation: [sˈɜːkə͡ʊts] (IPA) 
Surcoats (/ˈsərkəʊts/) are loose outer garments worn over armor in medieval times. The word is spelled with a 'u' after the first 'r' and a 'c' after the initial 's' because it comes from the Old French word 'surcot', which was borrowed from the Late Latin 'superiectus', meaning "to throw over". While the spelling may seem unusual in present-day English, it is a result of the word's historical origins and evolution.
Surcoats are garments that are worn over other clothing, especially during the medieval period. These outer garments are designed to be loose-fitting, reaching down to the knees or lower, and are typically sleeveless or have very loose sleeves. Surcoats are typically made of heavy fabric, such as wool or linen, and were often decorated with prominent embroidery, patterns, or trim that signified the wearer's social status or affiliation. They were primarily worn by men, although women also wore similar over-garments known as "gowns" or "robes."
Surcoats served multiple purposes. Firstly, they provided an added layer of warmth during colder weather. Secondly, they could protect the wearer's main garments from getting dirty or damaged, as they could easily be removed and replaced. Additionally, surcoats were commonly used to display heraldic symbols or coat of arms, making them powerful tools for visual communication and identification on the battlefield or at tournaments.
Due to their loose construction, surcoats allowed for easy movement and were often worn by knights and other fighters over their armor. The length of the surcoat varied depending on fashion trends and practical considerations. Over time, as fashion evolved, their design changed, with modifications made to the collar, hemline, and sleeve style. Though surcoats gradually fell out of everyday use in subsequent centuries, they continue to serve as prominent symbols of the medieval period and remain a key visual element in historical reenactments and period dramas.
The word "surcoat" originated from the Old French term "surcote", which can be divided into two parts: "sur", meaning "over" or "above", and "cote", meaning "coat" or "garment". The "surcoat" was a loose outer garment worn over armor during the medieval period. It served as a protective layer to safeguard the armor, as well as to display heraldic symbols and colors to identify the wearer.
