pauldron

thumb|Right pauldron of Polish hussars|hussar's armor, 17th century, District Museum in [[Tarnów]]

A pauldron (sometimes spelled pouldron or powldron) is a component of plate armor that evolved from spaulders in the 15th century. As with spaulders, pauldrons cover the shoulder area. Pauldrons tend to be larger than spaulders, covering the armpit and sometimes parts of the back and chest. A pauldron typically consists of a single large dome-shaped piece to cover the shoulder (the "cop") with multiple lames attached to it to defend the arm and upper shoulder. On some suits of armour, especially those of Italian design, the pauldrons would be asymmetrical, with one pauldron covering less (for mobility) and sporting a cut-away to make room for a lance rest.