What is a coif and what does it cover?
A coif is a close-fitting cap that covers the top, back, and sides of the head. It was worn by both men and women and came in versions made of linen, embroidered fabric, or mail armour.
Questions about Coif
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did coifs first appear and how long were they worn in England?
Coifs date from the tenth century. They were worn by all classes in England and Scotland from the Middle Ages through the early seventeenth century, and persisted longer among countrywomen and young children.
What embroidery styles were used on Elizabethan coifs?
In the Elizabethan and early Jacobean eras, coifs were frequently decorated with blackwork embroidery and lace edging. Earlier Tudor and Stewart coifs were typically plain, unadorned white linen tied under the chin.
Why did Serjeants-at-Law wear a coif?
The coif was the distinctive mark of the Serjeant-at-Law, a now-defunct senior grade of English lawyer. Serjeants continued to wear the coif even after they became judges.
What is the Order of the Coif in the United States?
The Order of the Coif is a United States law school honor society. Its name preserves the historical link between the coif headgear and the highest ranks of the legal profession.
What is a mail coif and how does it differ from a fabric coif?
A mail coif is a type of armour made of chainmail that covered the head, neck, and shoulders, leaving the face exposed. Unlike the linen coif worn in everyday and religious life, the mail coif was designed for use in combat.