buffe

1. (historical) A piece of armor covering either the entire face, or the lower face together with a visor that covered the upper face, typically made of multiple lames that could be opened by being lowered (a falling buffe) or raised.Examples: "It was used by the arquebusiers in 1560, and a buffe or chin-piece was strapped in front when occasion required."; "[In] a drawing of 1569 by Hogenberg […] It will be noticed that those engaged have the high standing buffes and the upper part of the visors of their helmets open for the convenience of breathing."; "The close helmet is equipped with a "falling-buffe" (visor), that can be lowered for more air and a better view, and raised for maximum protection by depressing or releasing a lug (shown directly below the sitter's thumb)."historical