Re: Polish medieval terminology

Josh Brandt-Young wrote:

> I'm sure it *is* borrowed from German, but "farmhard" doesn't quite work
> with the context--the text goes "Our department store received four hundred
> hauberks, the 16th century model, used in their time by landsknechts." I
> wonder if it's a term for one of the feudal levels? Eastern European history
> specialists, help! :)
Perhaps the following is of help? :)  From
www.geocities.com/area51/shire/5638/landsknechts.htm

"The Landsknechts were a force of German mercenary soldiers
originally recruited by Maximilian 1( 1493- 1519) and again by his
grandson Charles V (1519- 1556) to defend their claim to the
Burgundian legacy against the superior forces of the Swiss."

"The word Landsknecht was first used to describe such soldiers in
about 1470, and actually means ‘servant of the country’ in German.
As mercenaries, once they had excepted payment they were bound by
very stringent rules, failure to adhere to these could incur a
penalty of death. Discipline was of the utmost importance. It was
not uncommon for Landsknechts to change sides if the pay was
better!"

Cheers,
Eamon