Plackart

A plackart (also spelled placart or plaquette) is a component of plate armor, primarily used in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is a reinforcing plate that covers the lower part of the breastplate, providing additional protection to the abdomen and lower torso.

The plackart was typically attached to the breastplate by rivets, buckles, or straps, allowing it to be removed or adjusted. Its design varied, often being shaped to follow the contours of the body and sometimes featuring fluting or other decorative elements.

While initially designed to offer increased protection, the plackart's size and shape evolved over time, influencing mobility and coverage. Some designs provided significant overlap with the tassets (armor protecting the thighs), creating a more integrated defense. As armor designs became more elaborate, the plackart sometimes became more decorative, serving an aesthetic purpose in addition to its protective function. The use of plackarts declined as full plate armor became less common, replaced by lighter and more flexible forms of protection.