Gorget vs. Wimple: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 29, 2024
A gorget is a piece of armor protecting the throat, while a wimple is a cloth headdress covering the neck and head, often worn by nuns.
Key Differences
A gorget is a piece of armor that covers the throat and was commonly used during the medieval period for protection in battle. It is typically made of metal and designed to guard against neck injuries. On the other hand, a wimple is a cloth headdress that covers the neck and head, often worn by nuns and women in medieval Europe for modesty and religious purposes.
Gorgets were an essential part of a knight’s armor, providing crucial protection during combat. They evolved over time, becoming more sophisticated and sometimes ornamental. Whereas wimples were part of everyday attire for women, particularly those in religious orders, and were designed to reflect piety and modesty rather than provide physical protection.
In terms of construction, gorgets were made of sturdy materials like steel or iron to withstand blows and slashes. They often had a rigid structure to prevent penetration by weapons. On the other hand, wimples were made from soft fabrics like linen or silk, meant to drape comfortably around the face and neck, adhering to religious dress codes of the time.
Gorgets, as armor pieces, fell out of use with the advent of more modern military uniforms and changes in warfare. Wimples, while less common today, are still worn by some nuns and in certain religious communities, symbolizing devotion and humility.
The primary purpose of a gorget was practical and defensive, focusing on physical protection in battle. In contrast, the wimple served a cultural and religious function, symbolizing modesty and faith. Despite their different purposes, both items played significant roles in historical attire and reflected the values and necessities of their respective wearers.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Protects the throat in battle
Covers the neck and head for modesty
Material
Metal (steel, iron)
Cloth (linen, silk)
Historical Use
Worn by knights and soldiers
Worn by nuns and women in medieval Europe
Function
Defensive, protective
Cultural, religious
Modern Relevance
Out of use in modern military uniforms
Still worn in some religious communities
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Gorget and Wimple Definitions
Gorget
A part of a suit of armor covering the neck.
The gorget was essential for protecting vital arteries during combat.
Wimple
A garment symbolizing modesty and piety.
Her wimple was made of fine linen, signifying her devotion.
Gorget
A historical throat guard.
The reenactor wore a replica gorget to complete his medieval armor.
Wimple
A religious headdress covering the face and neck.
The wimple helped to maintain the nun’s modest appearance.
Gorget
A piece of armor protecting the throat.
Wimple
A head covering used by women in certain religious orders.
She wore a wimple as part of her daily attire in the convent.
Gorget
A crescent-shaped badge derived from such a piece of armor, worn on the chest especially by military officers in the 1700s and early 1800s.
Wimple
A traditional headdress worn by women in medieval Europe.
The costume designer included a wimple to accurately depict the medieval period.
Gorget
An ornamental collar.
Wimple
A cloth headdress covering the neck and head.
The nun adjusted her wimple before attending the service.
Gorget
The scarflike part of a wimple covering the neck and shoulders.
Wimple
A cloth wound around the head, framing the face, and drawn into folds beneath the chin, worn by women in medieval times and as part of the habit of certain orders of nuns.
Gorget
A band or patch of distinctive color on the throat of an animal, especially an area of brightly colored feathers on the throat of a bird.
Wimple
A fold or pleat in cloth.
Gorget
(historical) A piece of armour protecting the throat and/or the upper part of the chest.
Wimple
A ripple, as on the surface of water.
Gorget
(historical) A crescent-shaped ornamental metal plate suspended around the neck from the crescent's points by a length of chain or ribbon, used to indicate rank or authority and was worn as part of a dress military uniform by officers.
Wimple
A curve or bend.
Gorget
(historical) A type of women's clothing covering the neck and breast; a wimple.
Wimple
To cover with or dress in a wimple.
Gorget
An ornament for the neck; a necklace, ornamental collar, torque etc.
Wimple
To cause to form folds, pleats, or ripples.
Gorget
(surgery) A cutting instrument used in lithotomy.
Wimple
(Archaic) To form or lie in folds.
Gorget
A grooved instrument used in performing various operations; called also blunt gorget.
Wimple
To ripple.
Gorget
(zoology) A crescent-shaped coloured patch on the neck of a bird or mammal.
Wimple
A cloth which usually covers the head and is worn around the neck and chin. It was worn by women in medieval Europe and is still worn by nuns in certain orders.
Gorget
A hake caught in a net set for other fish.
Wimple
A fold or pleat in cloth.
Gorget
A piece of armor, whether of chain mail or of plate, defending the throat and upper part of the breast, and forming a part of the double breastplate of the 14th century.
Wimple
A ripple, as on the surface of water.
Gorget
A piece of plate armor covering the same parts and worn over the buff coat in the 17th century, and without other steel armor.
Unfix the gorget's iron clasp.
Wimple
A curve or bend.
Gorget
A small ornamental plate, usually crescent-shaped, and of gilded copper, formerly hung around the neck of officers in full uniform in some modern armies.
Wimple
A flag or streamer.
Gorget
A ruff worn by women.
Wimple
To cover with a wimple.
Gorget
A cutting instrument used in lithotomy.
Wimple
To draw down; to lower, like a veil.
Gorget
A crescent-shaped, colored patch on the neck of a bird or mammal.
Wimple
To cause to appear as if laid in folds or plaits; to cause to ripple or undulate.
The wind wimples the surface of water.
Gorget
Armor plate that protects the neck
Wimple
To flutter.
Gorget
An ornamental neckpiece in historical armor.
The museum displayed a beautifully decorated gorget from the 16th century.
Wimple
A covering of silk, linen, or other material, for the neck and chin, formerly worn by women as an outdoor protection, and still retained in the dress of nuns.
Full seemly her wympel ipinched is.
For she had laid her mournful stole aside,And widowlike sad wimple thrown away.
Then Vivian rose,And from her brown-locked head the wimple throws.
Gorget
A defensive neck plate used by soldiers.
The gorget showed signs of wear from years of use in battle.
Wimple
A flag or streamer.
Wimple
To clothe with a wimple; to cover, as with a veil; hence, to hoodwink.
This wimpled, whining, purblind, wayward boy.
Wimple
To draw down, as a veil; to lay in folds or plaits, as a veil.
Wimple
To cause to appear as if laid in folds or plaits; to cause to ripple or undulate; as, the wind wimples the surface of water.
Wimple
To lie in folds; also, to appear as if laid in folds or plaits; to ripple; to undulate.
For with a veil, that wimpled everywhere,Her head and face was hid.
With me through . . . meadows stray,Where wimpling waters make their way.
Wimple
Headdress of cloth; worn over the head and around the neck and ears by medieval women
FAQs
What materials are gorgets made from?
Gorgets are made from metal, such as steel or iron.
What is the main purpose of a gorget?
The main purpose of a gorget is to protect the throat in battle.
Do gorgets have any decorative elements?
Some gorgets have decorative elements, especially those from later periods.
When is a wimple typically worn?
A wimple is typically worn by nuns and women in certain religious communities for modesty.
What materials are wimples made from?
Wimples are made from cloth, such as linen or silk.
Are wimples still worn today?
Yes, wimples are still worn by some nuns and in certain religious traditions.
Are gorgets used in modern military uniforms?
No, gorgets are no longer used in modern military uniforms.
Are wimples part of everyday attire in modern times?
Wimples are not common in everyday attire but are still used in religious communities.
Did gorgets evolve over time?
Yes, gorgets evolved to become more sophisticated and sometimes ornamental.
Were gorgets worn outside of battle?
Gorgets were primarily worn in battle, but some decorative versions were used in ceremonial contexts.
What part of the body does a wimple cover?
A wimple covers the head, neck, and sometimes the shoulders.
Did wimples vary in style?
Yes, wimple styles varied by region and religious order.
Do wimples have any cultural significance?
Yes, wimples symbolize modesty, piety, and religious devotion.
What part of the body does a gorget protect?
A gorget protects the throat and neck area.
Did gorgets have practical uses beyond protection?
Primarily for protection, but some also served ceremonial purposes.
Were gorgets worn by all soldiers?
Mostly by knights and higher-ranking soldiers.
Were wimples worn by all women in medieval times?
Wimples were primarily worn by nuns and some laywomen of high status.
How did gorgets fit into a suit of armor?
Gorgets were integrated into the armor to protect the neck while allowing mobility.
Can wimples be found in historical art?
Yes, wimples are often depicted in medieval and Renaissance art.
How did wimples fit into women's attire?
Wimples were typically worn over other clothing, securing the head and neck modestly.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
