What is a destrier?
Q: What is a destrier?
A: A destrier is a type of warhorse that was used by knights in medieval battles, tournaments, and jousts.
Q: Why was the destrier considered significant?
A: The destrier was considered significant because it was described as the Great Horse and was highly prized by knights and men-at-arms.
Q: Where does the word destrier come from?
A: The word destrier comes from the Vulgar Latin word dextarius, which means "right-sided" and may refer to the horse being led by the squire at the knight's right side or leading with the right.
Q: Were all knights and men-at-arms riding destriers?
A: No, not all knights and men-at-arms rode destriers. Most rode other war horses, such as coursers and rounceys, which were also referred to as chargers.
Q: What other types of horses were commonly ridden by knights and men-at-arms during the medieval era?
A: Other types of horses commonly ridden by knights and men-at-arms during the medieval era were coursers and rounceys, which were also referred to as chargers.
Q: Is the destrier still used today?
A: No, the destrier is not used today. It was a type of horse specific to the medieval era.
Q: What is the root of the word destrier?
A: The root of the word destrier is the Vulgar Latin word dextarius, which means "right-sided" and is the same root as our modern words dexterous and dexterity.
