Man At Arms

In the early 15th century, a man-at-arms was a member of England's professional military class, serving under contracts of indenture within English retinues. Equipped with armor, weapons, and horses according to his means and military obligation, he was expected to render military service in accordance with the terms of his indenture wherever required. Although often of gentle birth, the title described a military role rather than a social rank, with men-at-arms forming the principal fighting element of English retinues during the campaigns of Henry IV and Henry V.