surcoat

1. (historical) A loose sleeveless garment worn over a suit of armor, sometimes colored or embroidered with the wearer's coat of arms.Examples: "The ordered system of symbols which we know as heraldry came into being in the twelfth century to meet a military need. These symbols were emblazoned on shields, surcoats and fighting flags, and served as an invaluable means of identification when the features were obscured by the great helm."; "The Lord mayor and sheriff ride in their armour with surcoats of crimson."historical

2. (historical) An overgarment worn over a woman's gown; a kind of short robe worn over the tunic at the close of the 11th century.historical