Jargon and Terminology

TermDescription
A&SAbbreviation for "Arts and Sciences"
Accessibility PorterAn officer responsible for assisting people with disabilities
ÆthelmearcKingdom composed of Northeastern/central/western Pennsylvania, central/western New York, and West Virginia.
AnachronismSomething out of its place in time.
An TirKingdom composed of Oregon, Washington, the northern tips of Idaho, and part of the Canadian province of British Columbia
Anno Societatis (A.S.)The dating system used by the SCA (translates to “In the Year of the Society”). May 1, 1966 was the first day of the year A.S. I, and May 1st is “New Year’s Day” for each Society year. The years are usually depicted in Roman numerals.
AnsteorraKingdom composed of Oklahoma and most of Texas.
AOAAbbreviation for Award of Arms
AOA LevelThose awards granted in the Kingdom of Ansteorra that grant the rank of an Award of Arms
ApprenticeSomeone who has entered into a formal, frequently fealty based, student relationship with a Companion of the Order of the Laurel. Also used to refer to someone who has entered into a student relationship in a guild or with someone other than a Companion of the Order of the Laurel.
ArchivistAn officer responsible for providing records storage for a group.
ArmigerousOf or relating to an Award of Arms, Grant of Arms, or Patent of Arms - the three levels of rank-bearing awards. To have one of these awards.
ArmsThe heraldic insignia of a person who has received an Award of Arms or higher level armigerous award, or the heraldic insignia of a branch. See also Badge and Device.
ArtemesiaKingdom composed of Montana, southern Idaho, most of Utah, and southwestern Wyoming.
Arts and Sciences (A&S)The collective group of fine arts, crafts, and sciences researched and practiced by artisans and scholars within the Society.
AtenveldtKingdom composed of Arizona
AtlantiaKingdom composed of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia and the District of Columbia.
AutocratThe person responsible for organizing and running an event. See also Event Steward
AuthorizationThe process that martial participants go through to be allowed to participate safely in their respective activities.
AwardA form of recognition given to individuals and/or groups of people by the Crown, Coronet, or their representatives. Awards are usually accompanied by a scroll, and may give the recipient the right to certain rank or titles.
Award of Arms (AOA)The first level of rank-bearing award given by the Crown, which gives the recipient the right to use the AoA-level titles and to refer to their heraldic insignia as their arms (rather than as a device). See also Armigerous.
AvacalKingdom composed of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories and part of British Columbia
A.S.See Anno Societatis
ArmigerUsed as a gender neutral form of address for a gentle who has received their Award of Arms.  Commonly used as "So-and-so, Armiger"
BadgeA secondary heraldic insignia registered to a person, group, or branch. See also Arms and Device.
BannerA decorative cloth panel often representing the owner's arms and used as a wallhanging or hung from a pole.
BardA musician or a vocal performer such as a singer or storyteller. See also Jongleur.
Bardic CircleA gathering, often in the evening and around a fire, at which people play music, sing songs, and tell stories.
BardingDecorative armor or livery for a horse.
BaronA person who has been chosen to serve as ceremonial head for their Barony, either by themself or with a consort. Prepended with "Court " if they are a not a ceremonial head for their Barony but are a representative of the Crown. Also see Baroness.
BaronessA person who has been chosen to serve as ceremonial head for their Barony, either by themself or with a consort. Prepended with "Court " if they are a not a ceremonial head for their Barony but are a representative of the Crown. Also see Baron.
BaronyA larger branch that can contain sub-branches, and which has chosen a Baron, Baroness, or other ceremonial head to act as figurehead(s) for the branch.
Bear Arms, right toDescribes someone who has earned an armigerous award. Any device entered with the college of heralds becomes their heraldic arms.
Blue CardAn SCA membership card (traditionally printed on blue cardstock), indicating that the card holder has a signed waiver on file at the SCA offices.
Board of Directors (BOD)The governing body of the corporate aspect of the Society.
BranchA geographical division of the society. Also called group, chapter, etc.
CalligraphyDecorative text as often seen in historical manuscripts or Society scrolls. See also Illumination.
CalontirKindom composed of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and part of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
CantonA sub-branch of a Barony.
CastellanVariant of Chatelaine.
Centurion, Order ofThe grant level award for chivalric combat; is a polling order.
ChamberlainThe officer responsible for a branch's regalia.
ChampionAn individual chosen through some form of contest to represent a person, group, or branch in a particular art.
CharterA pre-designed award scroll given to persons who receive SCA awards; painted by volunteer populace members
ChatelaineThe officer responsible for welcoming and assisting newcomers to the Society. Also called a Hospitaler in Ansteorra.
ChivalryA code of behavior based on courtesy and honor. Also used to indicate a Companion of the Order of the Chivalry -- the Society level peerage for rattan combat.
ChroniclerThe officer responsible for a branch's newsletter.
CircletA thin metal band worn horizontally around the head.
Clear!A warning cry. It means that someone is about to draw a sword or edged weapon from its scabbard.
CollegeA branch that exists at an real-world educational institution.
CollegiumAn event at which the principal focus is a variety of classes offered throughout the day. Also called University or Schola.
Combat ArcheryAn armored combat related activity in which armored archers fire specially padded arrows at combatants in a melee.
Combat Archery CommanderThe commander in charge of combat archery.
CompanionA recipient of a grant level award, not used as a title but to designate what order they are from (e.g. companion of the iris of merit)
Companion (of the Order of...)Member (of the Order of...)
ConsortOften, a partner to someone doing an activity in the SCA; in combat consorts can serve as inspiration, support, etc. The relationship of a consort and their champion, martial or otherwise, is not set by the society and is a personal agreement between both parties.
CoronationThe ceremony in which a heirs to the throne are formally declared rulers of their Kingdom.
CoronetA headdress, often of metal and/or jewels, worn to indicate a certain rank.
CoronetCan be used to refer to the rulers or heirs of a principality jointly. Coronet is also sometimes used to refer to Coronet Tournament.
Coronet TournamentThe tournament in which the heirs to a Principality are determined.
CorporaThe governing documents of the Society.
CountA person who has been Soverign or Consort once. See also: Countess
CountessA person who has been Consort or Soverign once. See also Count
CourtThe formal gathering in which the Crown (or their representatives) give awards, make announcements or proclamations, etc.
Crash SpaceOvernight accommodations at the home of a Society member who lives close to the event site, arranged in advance for those attending the event from far away.
CrownRefers to the pair of leaders of a kingdom. One member of the Crown is the Soverign, one is the Consort. "Crown" is also sometimes used to refer to Crown Tournament.
CrownRefers to the Sovereign for a Kingdom.
CrownA headdress of metal and/or jewels worn by the Crown of a Kingdom as a sign of their rank.
Crown PrinceTraditionally, the Soverign heir to the Crown of a Kingdom. See also Prince.
Crown PrincessTraditionally, the Consort heir to the Crown of a Kingdom. See also Princess.
Crown TournamentA tournament in which the heirs to a Kingdom are determined.
Curia Regis (Curia)A meeting between the Crown and their officers at which items of official business, such as changes to Kingdom law, are discussed.
Crown LandsRefers to zip codes or areas in Ansteorra that no group holds claim to
DayboardLunch or food during the day. Sometimes an event will provide a dayboard but usually people bring their own. See also: Sideboard
DemoA demonstration of the activities in the SCA. SCA participants will usually perform martial activities as well as arts and sciences for the public.
DeviceThe heraldic insignia of a person who does not have an Award of Arms. See also Arms and Badge.
DEI officerOfficer committed to promoting the values of diversity, inclusion, and equity throughout the SCA.
Don/DonaHonorific awarded to members of the Order of the White Scarf
DrachenwaldKingdom composed of all of Europe (including islands), Africa, and the Middle East.
Dry SiteA site at which alcoholic beverages are not permitted. See also Wet Site.
DuchessA person who has been Consort or Soverign two or more times.
DukeA person who has been Soverign or Consort two or more times.
Earl MarshalKingdom or Society Marshal.
EaldormereKingdom composed of most of the Canadian province of Ontario.
East KingdomKingdom composed of eastern Pennsylvania, eastern New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. In Canada, it covers Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
EquestrianPertaining to horses, horse activities, etc
EricInformal name for a list field.
EventAn official Society gathering at which a variety of activities take place.
ExcellencyWhen used as Your Excellency, a form of address for a landed nobility, crown representatives, the Crown, former Crowns or landed, or an Heir or Ruler of a Principality.
ExchequerFinancial Officer
Event StewardThe person responsible for organizing and running an event. See also Autocrat
EistedfoddKingdom Bardic Championship, Victor is named the Kingdom Bard
FavorA token given to someone to indicate friendship, romantic involvement, membership in a group, or some other relationship. The significance is determined by the individuals involved and is not prescribed by society.
FealtyA reciprocal oath pledged between two people in which each swears a agreed-upon form of loyalty and/or service to the other.
FeastA large dinnertime meal served at an event composed of two or more courses, each containing multiple dishes, and usually with some form of entertainment provided between courses.
FeastgearPlace setting and table linens for use during feast. People often bring their own.
FenceThe martial activity of fencing.
FilletA thin band of any material worn horizontally around the head.
GarbHistoric costume.
GateThe area located at the entrance to an event at which people check in and pay site fees.
GentlePerson
Gleann AbhannKingdom composed of Mississippi, Louisiana, most of Arkansas, and the western edge of Tennessee including the Memphis area.
Gold KeyLoaner clothing and gear for newcomers that is often made available through the local office of the Hospitaler.
GOofS/GOOFsGreater Officer(s) of State; Kingdom-level officers
GraceWhen used as Your Grace, a form of address for a Duke or Duchess
Grant LevelThose awards granted in the Kingdom of Ansteorra that grant the rank of an Grant of Arms if one hasn't been given
Grant of ArmsThe second level of rank-bearing award given by the Crown. If not presented in conjunction with any other title-bearing award, it gives the recipient the right to use the title of "Honorable". See also Armigerous.
GuildA group of people who have chosen to study a particular skill or area of interest. Membership is usually open to anyone with interest.
Gulf WarA week long war between Ansteorra and Trimaris. Hosted by Gleann Abhann; It is held annually in the spring.
GentleUsed as a gender neutral form of address for any person in the society
Heavy List (Heavy Weapons, Heavy Combat)A term used to denote SCA-style rattan combat, as opposed to rapier or cut-and-thrust combat.
HeraldA herald (lowercase) is anyone who practices any of the arts of heraldry. A Herald (uppercase) is a Kingdom or Society level herald, or someone who has been granted this title for their great contribution to the heraldic arts. The title is often used with a descriptive appellation, indicating the specific office held. As an example, Brigantia Herald is the East Kingdom Herald.
HeraldicOf or having to do with heraldry.
HeraldryThe collection of arts pertaining to coats of arms, names, and verbal proclamation.
HighnessWhen used as Your Highness, a form of address for a Prince or Princess.
HistorianThe officer responsible for collecting and creating histories of the group.
Hold!A warning cry. When you hear it, stop whatever you are doing and hold still until you can determine why it was called and/or until the dangerous situation is corrected.
HonorableThe title for a person who has a Grant of Arms. Often used as "Honorable Gentle", "Honorable Lady", or "Honorable Lord"
HospitallerVariant of Chatelaine and Chatellan. Gender neutral and generally preferred.
HouseholdA group of people who have chosen to ally themselves together for any number of reasons. Households can be composed of people with similar personas, similar interests, or just groups of friends. Membership criteria and methods of joining vary from household to household.
HuzzahUsed to express approval or delight; hurrah.
IlluminationDecorative miniature artwork that accompanies text, as in historical manuscripts or Society scrolls. See also Calligraphy.
InvestitureThe ceremony in which Landed nobility are formally declared as heads of their region or group.
JongleurAn instrumental musician. See also Bard.
KingTerm that refers to one member of the Crown (either the Soverign or the Consort)
KingdomAny of the twenty geographical areas that the world is divided into in the context of the SCA, each of which ruled by a Crown
KnightA Companion of the Order of the Chivalry who has chosen to swear fealty to the Crown.
Knight MarshalThe marshal for a local branch's rattan combat
Knowne WorldeA term used to refer to the areas of the world in which the Society has a presence. Also used to refer to the world in its entirety, but defined as according to Society boundaries.
LadyGendered form of "noble". When capitalized, refers to a noble who has received their Award of Arms, and it is also their title.
LadyshipWhen used with "Your", it is a gendered form of address for a noble who has a Grant of Arms.
Landed NobilityCeremonial head of a region (Barony, Principality, Kingdom, etc)
LaurelA Companion of the Order of the Laurel, which is the Society level peerage for skill in the arts and sciences.
Light!A term used to describe a strike during combat as having insufficient pressure
Light WeaponsRapier combat
List MasterGendered version of "List Manager." The officer responsible for maintaining records on fighters and overseeing the running of tournament lists.
List MistressGendered version of "List Manager." The officer responsible for maintaining records on fighters and overseeing the running of tournament lists.
List ManagerThe person responsible for maintaining records on fighters and overseeing the running of tournament lists.
Listfield (List)The area in which combat takes place, usually marked with ropes around the perimeter. List is also used to refer to the collecton of fighters competing in a tournament.
LiveryGarb or accessories, usually made for many people and made to match or coordinate, that indicate membership or servitude to a particular branch, group, or person.
LochacKingdom composed of Australia and New Zealand, and parts of China.
LordGendered form of "noble". When capitalized, refers to a person who has received their Award of Arms, and it is also their title.
LordshipWhen used with "Your", it is a gendered form of address for a noble who has a Grant of Arms.
MajestyWhen used as Your Majesty, a form of address forthe Crown.
Man-at-ArmsA person who has entered into a student relationship with a fighter. See also: Woman-at-Arms, squire
MarshalThe officer responsible for martial activities, particularly in overseeing them to ensure safety.
MasterA title for a someone who is a Companion of a Peerage Order. See also: Mistress
Master-at-ArmsA Companion of the Order of the Chivalry who has chosen not to swear fealty to the Crown.
MeadAn alcoholic beverage derived from fermented honey.
MeleeA fight in which teams of two or more compete against eachother. See also Single-Combat.
MeridiesKingdom composed of Alabama; almost all of Georgia; all of Middle and East Tennessee, plus a substantial portion of West Tennessee; a bit of the panhandle of Florida; and a small portion of Kentucky.
MidrealmKingdom composed of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, lower Michigan, and parts of Kentucky, Iowa and Ontario. also known as The Middle Kingdom
MinisterA gender-neutral title used for an officer responsible for a particular activity. Often substituted with Master or Mistress, as appropriate for the specific individual currently holding the position.
Minister of Arts and Sciences (MOAS)The officer responsible for encouraging work in the Arts and Sciences.
Minister of the Lists (MOL)The officer responsible for maintaining records on fighters and overseeing the running of tournament lists. See also: List Mistress
MistressThe title for a someone who is a Companion of a Peerage Order. See also: Master
MundaneAny thing or person that is not of the Society. Note that this word can be perceived as an insult, and so its use is discouraged. In its place, use Modern.
NCAOften, an abbreviation for Newcomer's Academy
Non-ArmigerousThose awards granted in the Kingdom of Ansteorra that do NOT grant any additional rank or titles.
NobleUsed as a gender neutral form of "Lord"/"Lady". Refers to a noble who has received their Award of Arms
NorthshieldKingdom composed of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the upper peninsula of Michigan. It also extends into Canada, encompassing Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.
OrderA group composed of all recipients of a particular award.
Order of Precedence (OP)A listing of those gentles who have received awards, arranged in order of rank. Also used to refer to any ordering based upon rank.
Out of Period (OOP)Anything outside of or later than the Society time period (600-1600).
OutlandsKingdom composed of New Mexico and Colorado, parts of Wyoming, the Nebraska panhandle, El Paso County and the Hudspeth County in Texas.
Oyez!A cry that is a request for attention. When you hear it, please cease any conversation or noise-making activity until the person has made their announcement.
PageA child who serves as an attendant to a person or group, particularly by running errands, carrying messages, and performing like tasks.
Patent of Arms (Patent)The third and highest level rank-bearing award given by the Crown, which makes the recipient a Peer. See also Armigerous.
PeerA person who has received a Patent of Arms
Peerage LevelThe highest level of awards (not titles) attainable in the SCA
Peerage OrderAny of the Orders which is accompanied by a Patent of Arms. Specifically, the orders of the Chivalry, the Laurel, the Pelican, and the Defense.
PelicanA Companion of the Order of the Pelican, which is the Society level peerage for service.
Pennsic WarAn annual war between the Kingdom of the East and The Middle Kingdom held in western Pennsylvania. It is the largest Society event, with attendance in recent years ranging near 10,000.
Pentathlon (Pent)Often used to refer to an Arts & Sciences Pentathlon, which is a form of competition in which an entrant must enter five or more categories.
PeriodWithin or accurate for the Society time period (600-1600).
PersonaA person that someone pretends to be in the context of the SCA. While a persona cannot be anyone who actually did exist, they should be someone who could have.
Polling OrderAn Order for which it is required that the Crown consult the Companions regarding potential members.
PortA branch that exists at a military installation. See also, Stronghold
Porta-Castle, PortaletCommon slang for portable or chemical toilets.
PrinceTerm that refers to one member of the Coronet
PrincessTerm that refers to one member of the Coronet
PrincipalityA subdivision of a Kingdom containing multiple branches that has a Rulers that reign over it.
ProtégéSomeone who has entered into a formal, frequently fealty based, student relationship with a Companion of the Order of the Pelican.
ProvinceA larger branch that can contain sub-branches, but which has chosen to not have any ceremonial head.
Proof of membershipA copy/photocopy of your membership card or letter from the Member Portal (members.sca.org)
ProvostSomeone who has entered into a formal, frequently fealty based, student relationship with a Companion of the Order of of the Master of Defense
PursuivantThe herald for a local branch, often used with a descriptive appellation, indicating the specific office held (eg. Halberd Pursuivant)
QueenTerm that refers to one member of the Crown (either the Soverign or the Consort)
RattanA plant similar to bamboo but solid throughout, used for making heavy list weapons.
Rattan CombatA term used to denote SCA-style rattan combat, as opposed to rapier or cut-and-thrust combat.
RegaliaGarb, accessories, or decorations signifying rank, membership in an order, or the presence of an individual or group.
RemoveA post-period but commonly used word for a course of a feast, the period term being course.
RialtoA Society-wide newsgroup, rec.org.sca
RidingA sub-branch of a Province.
Right of ArmsAn indicator that a person has achieved a specified title, position, or prize by winning a tournament or award. As an example, a Soverign by right of arms would be a person who won a Crown Tournament.
Right to Bear ArmsSomeone with the right to bear arms can register a device with the College of Heralds
RoseA Companion of the Order of the Rose, which is a Society level order composed of former Royal Consorts.
Royal PeerSomeone who has served as the ruler of a Principality or Kingdom
Royal Progress (RP)An event at which the Crown will be present and hold Court.
RoyaltyAnyone who is currently serving as Soverign or Consort to a to a Principality or Kingdom.
Rules of the ListThe rules for combat. Changes depending on the format for the challenge or tournament.
Royal BladeKingdom Cut and Thrust Champion/Tournament
Royal HunterKingdom Archery Champion/Tournament
SCAAn abbreviation for the Society for Creative Anachronism. See also Society.
SCA NameThe name someone uses in the Society.
SCAdianOf or having to do with the Society. A member of the Society.
ScholaAn event at which the principal focus is a variety of classes offered throughout the day. Also called Collegium or University.
ScribeAn artist who produces scrolls, calligraphy, etc.
ScrollA piece of artwork containing calligraphy and usually also illumination, given to an award recipient at the time that they are given an award, and that serves as an official record of the award.
SeneschalThe executive officer for a branch, responsible for overseeing other officers and serving as liaison between the Society and the modern world.
ShireA smaller branch that cannot contain any sub-branches.
SideboardLunch or food during the day. Sometimes an event will provide a dayboard but usually people bring their own. See also: Dayboard
Single-CombatA fight in which two opponents compete one-on-one. See also Melee.
SirA title for a Knight.
SiteThe location where an event is held.
Site FeeThe fee required in order to attend an event.
SocietyAn abbreviation for the Society for Creative Anachronism. See also SCA.
SquireSomeone who has entered into a, frequently fealty based, student relationship with a Companion of the Order of the Chivalry.
StrongholdA branch that exists at a military installation. See also, Port
Sub-BranchA branch that is subsidiary to another branch within a Kingdom or Principality (eg. Stronghold of Hellsgate is subsidiary to the Barony of Bryn Gwlad)
Tournament/TourneyA competition in the SCA
TrencherA shallow, lipped platter, often of wood or metal, or even bread, used for serving food or as a plate.
TokenA small object sometimes given to participants when they attend an event. There are typically two types: site and feast.
TrimarisKingdom composed of Majority of Florida; lays claim to Panama.
TrollThe table located at the entrance to an event at which people check in and pay site fees. Troll is also sometimes used to refer to the person working at this table. See also Gate.
UniversityAn event at which the principal focus is a variety of classes offered throughout the day. Also called Collegium or Schola.
VigilA sequestered period of reflection in which a person contemplates becoming a Companion of a Peerage Order. Vigils are chosen by persons who have been announced for elevation; the type, location, and duration of a vigil varies from person to person.
Vivat!A cheer. Literally translating to "Live!", it is used to express appreciation for someone or something, and is often sounded three times. Note that vivat is the singular form and that vivant is the plural.
ViscountA person who has been soverign or consort of a Principality once.
ViscountessA person who has been soverign or consort of a Principality once.
WarAn event centered around a battle or battles in which the opposing sides are "warring" branches
Waivera release of liability form signed when you purchase SCA membership. Non-members must sign waivers at events and martial practices.
WarlordThe person responsible for strategy and tactics for a war
Water Bearingwater and refreshments provided at an event to members of the populace
WebministerOfficer in charge of group website.
West KingdomKingdom composed of Northern California, most of Nevada, and Alaska, as well as Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the Pacific Rim (excluding Australia and New Zealand).
Wet SiteA site at which any alcoholic beverage is permitted. See also Dry Site
Woman-at-ArmsA person who has entered into a student relationship with a fighter. See also: Man-at-arms
White Scaf, order ofA non-Armigerous award given for exceptional skill in rapier combat and dedication to the current and former queens of Ansteorra
YouthAdjective describing activities for persons under the age of 18