Poleyn

The poleyn or genouillere was a component of Medieval and Renaissance armor that protected the knee.

They first appeared around 1230[1] and remained in use until 1650 when firearms made them obsolete.

The specifics of poleyn design varied considerably over that period.

During the fifteenth century poleyns developed an articulated construction that attached to the cuisses and schynbalds or greaves.

A characteristic of late fifteenth century Gothic plate armor was a projection that guarded the side of the knee.