Glossary

AoA (Award of Arms)
An honor that bestows the title of Lord or Lady upon the recipient.

Anachronism
The use of elements or practices that belong to a period other than the one in which they exist, specifically focusing on recreating elements from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Apprentice
A person who is learning a craft, art, or science under the guidance of a Laurel (a member of the Order of the Laurel).

Armored Combat

SCA combat that involves participants wearing armor and using rattan weapons to simulate medieval fighting.

Arts and Sciences (A&S)
Activities that include the study, teaching, and practice of historical arts, crafts, and sciences from pre-17th century cultures. See The Oak, Atlantia's Arts & Sciences periodical here.

Authorization

A process in the SCA by which participants demonstrate their competence, safety awareness, and adherence to the rules for engaging in various martial activities, such as armored combat, rapier combat, archery, thrown weapons, and equestrian activities. Authorization ensures that participants are qualified to safely participate in these activities during events, and it is best completed prior to the day of the event.

Autocrat
The person responsible for organizing and running an SCA event. This term is often replaced with "Event Steward."

Award of Arms (AoA)
An honor granted by the Crown that bestows the title of Lord or Lady upon the recipient. It is often the first award a person receives in the SCA.

Bard
A performer who specializes in music, poetry, storytelling, or other forms of entertainment, often inspired by historical traditions.

Baron/Baroness
A landed noble who acts as the representative of the Crown within a Barony. They hold courts, bestow awards, and serve as leaders for their group.

Barony
A large SCA branch that is overseen by a Baron and/or Baroness.

BoD (Board of Directors)
The governing body of the SCA, responsible for overseeing the corporate aspects of the organization.

Canton
A local branch within a Barony, smaller than a Barony but still part of the same group.

C&B (Corpora and By-Laws)
The governing documents of the SCA that outline the rules, policies, and structure of the organization.

Chamberlain
An officer responsible for maintaining and managing the group's physical assets, such as regalia, banners, and feast gear.

Chatelaine
The officer responsible for welcoming and assisting newcomers to the SCA, helping them get involved and learn about the society.

Chivalry
A collective term referring to the knightly orders within the SCA, including both Knights and Masters of Arms.

Chronicler
The officer responsible for producing newsletters and other publications for an SCA group.

CoA (College of Arms)
The group responsible for overseeing heraldic matters, including names and devices within the SCA. See herald for more information.

Consort
The partner of a fighter in a tournament, who may be the inspiration for their participation. In Crown Tournaments, the consort of the winning fighter becomes Queen or Princess.

Constable
An officer responsible for ensuring the safety and security of events, including managing lost and found items, and overseeing site rules compliance.

Coronation
The ceremony where the heirs to the throne of a Kingdom are crowned as King and Queen.

Court
A formal gathering where the reigning royalty (King/Queen, Prince/Princess, Baron/Baroness) hold court to bestow awards, make announcements, and conduct official business.

Court Baron/Baroness
A title given by the Crown to individuals in recognition of their service, arts, or other contributions to the Kingdom, without territorial responsibilities.

Demo
A demonstration put on by an SCA group to showcase various activities such as fighting, dancing, and crafts to the public.

Deputy
An assistant to a principal officer, who may take over the role if needed. Many officers have deputies to help manage their duties.

Earl Marshal

The senior marshal in a Kingdom, responsible for overseeing all martial activities, including armored combat, rapier combat, archery, and equestrian activities. The Earl Marshal ensures that combat is conducted safely and according to SCA rules. See marshallate.

Elevation
The formal ceremony in which a member is inducted into a peerage order, such as the Order of the Laurel, Order of the Pelican, or Order of Chivalry, the Order of Defense, or the Order of Mark.

Event
A gathering organized by an SCA group, which may include activities such as fighting, arts and sciences displays, feasts, and court.

Equestrian

A martial and recreational activity within the SCA that involves the use of horses to simulate medieval mounted combat, games, and skill-at-arms. Equestrian activities are designed to reflect the techniques and skills used by mounted knights and horsemen in the medieval period.

Exchequer
The officer responsible for managing the financial affairs of an SCA group.

Feast
A large, often elaborate, meal served at an event, usually featuring medieval-style dishes.

Field Herald
A herald responsible for making announcements on the field during tournaments and combat activities, as well as organizing the fighters.

Garb
The clothing worn by SCA members, which is expected to be an attempt at pre-17th century clothing appropriate to the member's persona.

Guild
A group within the SCA dedicated to a specific art, craft, or science, where members can learn, practice, and share knowledge on their chosen subject.

Herald
An officer responsible for assisting with the development of members' names and arms, making announcements at events, and serving as an advisor on matters of protocol. See here or CoA (College of Arms) for more information.

Heraldic Consultation Table
A service often provided at events where heralds assist members in developing their names and arms according to period practices.

Household
A group of individuals who band together within the SCA, often led by a senior member. Households can focus on various activities such as fighting, arts, or service, and are often based on shared interests or camaraderie.

King/Queen
The reigning monarchs of a Kingdom, chosen by right of arms through a Crown Tournament. They serve for a limited time, usually six months.

Kingdom
A large regional division within the SCA, ruled by a King and Queen. The Barony of Marinus is located within the Kingdom of Atlantia. 

Knight
A member of the Order of Chivalry who has been recognized for their prowess in combat, as well as their chivalry and service.

Laurel
A member of the Order of the Laurel, an award given for excellence in the arts and sciences.

Largesse
Gifts given by members of the SCA to the Crown or to others, often handmade and reflecting the giver’s skills. These gifts are often distributed by the Crown during court as tokens of appreciation.

List
The roster of participants in a tournament or the physical boundaries of a fighting area.

List Field
The designated area where tournaments and combats are held. This is often roped off and may have banners or other decorations.

Lists Officer
The officer responsible for organizing and running the lists (tournaments) at events, keeping track of participants and results. See (MOL) Minister of the Lists.

Local Group
A general term for the different types of SCA groups, such as Shires, Cantons, and Baronies, within a Kingdom.

LoAR (Letter of Acceptance and Return)
A publication from the College of Arms that reports on the status of submitted names and devices.

LoI (Letter of Intent)
A document submitted by individuals interested in competing in Crown Tournament or seeking to hold certain offices.

Marshallate
The collective term for all marshals within the SCA, who oversee combat activities and ensure they are conducted safely. See Earl Marshall.

Minister of the Arts and Sciences
A title for someone who has achieved a high level of mastery in the arts and sciences and is a member of the Order of the Laurel.

Member-at-Large
A person who participates in the SCA without holding a specific office or title, often contributing to the community in various ways.

MoAS (Minister of Arts and Sciences)
The officer responsible for overseeing arts and sciences activities within a group.

MoL (Minister of the Lists)
An officer responsible for managing the administrative aspects of tournaments.

Mundane
A term used to describe the modern, non-SCA world or a person who is not an SCA member.

Newcomers

Individuals who are new to the SCA and are in the process of learning about the society's activities, culture, and expectations. Newcomers are often greeted and guided by a Chatelaine, an officer responsible for helping them get acclimated and involved.

OL (Order of the Laurel)
A peerage order recognizing excellence in the arts and sciences.

OP (Order of Precedence)
A listing of all awards and titles held by individuals in a Kingdom, often used to determine seating and recognition in court.

Order of Defense
An order recognizing excellence in rapier combat.

Order of Mark
An order recognizing excellence in missile weapons.

Order of the Pelican
An order recognizing those who have given extraordinary service to the SCA.

Order of the Rose
An order comprised of individuals who have served as Queen or Consort of a Kingdom, honoring their contributions to the society.

Oyez

A traditional call used by heralds in the SCA to command attention before making an announcement. The word "Oyez" (pronounced "oh-yay") is derived from Old French and means "hear ye" or "listen." It is often used at the beginning of official proclamations, court proceedings, or important announcements during events. When you hear "Oyez," it is customary to stop talking, turn your attention to the herald or speaker, and remain quiet until the announcement is finished.

Peer
A member of one of the highest orders of recognition in the SCA: Order of Chivalry, Order of the Laurel, Order of the Pelican, or Royal Peerage.

Pelican
A member of the Order of the Pelican, an award given for extraordinary service to the SCA.

Persona
A fictional character that a member of the SCA creates to represent themselves within the historical context of the organization. This includes choosing a name, background, and time period.

PoA (Patent of Arms)
A recognition that elevates an individual to the peerage level, granting them the right to be styled as a peer.

Populace
A collective term for the general membership of the SCA within a specific group or Kingdom.

Practicum
An educational event where hands-on workshops and classes are held, allowing participants to learn new skills or refine existing ones.

Protege
A person who is learning service under the guidance of a Pelican (a member of the Order of the Pelican).

Rapier Combat
A form of SCA combat that simulates Renaissance-style fencing with thin, flexible swords known as rapiers.

Reeve
A title sometimes used for the local branch's Exchequer or for an officer responsible for a specific duty.

Regalia
The symbols of rank or office, such as crowns, coronets, sashes, or medallions, worn by those holding titles or positions of importance in the SCA.

Retinue
A group of people who assist and accompany the royalty, often helping with carrying items, running errands, and managing logistics during events.

Royal Peer
A person who has served as King, Queen, Prince, or Princess and has been elevated to the peerage as a Duke, Duchess, Count, Countess, Viscount, or Viscountess.

Scroll
A document, often illuminated and written in calligraphy, that records the granting of awards or titles.

Siege Weapons
Large-scale mechanical devices used in the SCA to simulate medieval siege warfare. These weapons are designed to launch projectiles at fortifications or large targets during mock battles or scenarios.

Seneschal
The chief administrative officer of an SCA group, responsible for overseeing the group's operations and ensuring adherence to SCA policies.

SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism)
The organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts, skills, and traditions of pre-17th century Europe.

Scribe
An individual who creates scrolls for awards and other official documents, often using calligraphy and illumination techniques.

Shire
A local SCA group that is smaller than a Barony and is not part of a Barony.

Steel Combat

A form of martial activity in the SCA that involves the use of real steel weapons, such as swords, axes, and polearms, in controlled combat scenarios. Steel combat is designed to closely replicate historical fighting techniques while prioritizing safety.

Target Archery
A martial activity in the SCA where participants shoot arrows at stationary targets. Archery includes three main types of bows: longbow, recurve bow, and crossbow, along with the atlatl and darts.

Thrown Weapons
A martial activity in the SCA where participants throw weapons such as axes, knives, and spears at stationary targets. Thrown weapons events often occur alongside archery or other martial activities and are designed to test accuracy and skill.

Tourney
A tournament, where combatants compete in various forms of SCA fighting, such as armored combat or rapier, to display their skill and honor.

Troll
The location at an event where attendees check in and pay any required fees. The term is also used to refer to the person handling check-in.  This is also referred to as Gate.

University of Atlantia

An educational organization within the Kingdom of Atlantia in the SCA, dedicated to the teaching and learning of various medieval and Renaissance arts, sciences, and skills. The University of Atlantia offers classes and workshops designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of SCA members across a wide range of topics.

Vigil
A period of contemplation and preparation before a member is elevated to a peerage, often involving advice and support from other members of the SCA.

Voice Herald
A herald who makes announcements, often during court or on the list field, ensuring that information is clearly communicated to participants and the audience.

War
A large SCA event that typically involves battles, arts and sciences competitions, and other activities over several days. Examples include the Pennsic War and the Gulf Wars.

Warrant
The official authorization given to an officer to serve in a particular capacity within the SCA.

Waterbearer
A person who provides water and other refreshments to fighters and participants during events to ensure they remain hydrated and healthy.

Webminister
The officer responsible for maintaining and updating the group’s website, ensuring that information is current and accessible.

Youth Combat

A martial activity within the SCA designed for younger participants, typically ranging in age from 6 to 17 years old. Youth combat provides a safe and structured environment for children and teenagers to learn and practice medieval-style combat, following rules and guidelines that ensure their safety while fostering skill development and camaraderie.

YL (Youth Liaison)
An officer responsible for coordinating youth activities and ensuring their safety at events.

Youth Marshal
An officer responsible for overseeing youth combat activities, ensuring they are conducted safely and according to the rules.