Schynbalds were metal plates strapped over chausses. The earliest poleyns were strapped over mail chausses. The French equivalent was "chausses". Chausses (; ) are armour for the legs, usually made from mail. Reinforcing plates for knees called poleyns began to supplement mail chausses after about 1230. These early plate additions were worn over chausses and held in place with leather straps. Chausses offered flexible protection that was effective against slashing weapons. Chausses became obsolete in the 14th century as plate armour developed. Wealthier men often wore chausses as well, which only covered the legs. Chausses were also giving way to form-fitting hose, which covered the legs and feet. In addition, among some Catholic monastic nuns, the special stocking/leggings worn were called chausses.