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Ouch

Ouch-Dowgate Hill Brooch. Probably German c.1000. © Trustees of the British Museum.
Ouch-Dowgate Hill Brooch. Probably German c.1000. © Trustees of the British Museum.

Ouch is an archaic term for an item of jewelry sewn onto a garment instead of being held in place by a pin. These were often gem-set with a bezel-like filigree edge. The bible references a pair of gold ouches, set with engraved onyx, sewn one on each shoulder and suspending a chain between them supporting a breastplate. Medieval ouches were worn as cloak clasps connected by a chain between them.

Also known as nouch, ouche and owche.

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