BASINET (a diminutive of "

See also:

• BASIN, THOMAS (1412—1491)
• BASIN, or BASON (the older form bacin is found in many of the Romanic languages, from the Late Lat. baccinus or bacchinus, probably derived from bacca, a bowl)

basin ")  , a form of helmet or headpiece . The original small basinet was a light open cap, with a peaked crown . This was used alternately to, and even in conjunction with, the large heavy heaume . But in the latter half of the 13th century the basinet was developed into a complete war head-dress and replaced the heaume . In this form it was larger and heavier, had a vizor (though not always a pivoted vizor like that of the later armet), and was connected with the gorget by a " camail " or mail hood, the head and neck thus being entirely covered . It is always to be recognized by its peaked crown . The word is spelt in various forms, " bassinet," " bascinet," " bacinet," or " basnet." The form bassinet " is used for the hooded wicker cradle or perambulator for babies .