There is also a Glossary of Terms on the Midrealm page and a Glossary of Jargon on the SCA page
Anno Societatis (A.S.) – Our way of marking years since the SCA began in 1966. The SCA new year begins on May 1st. The SCA version of AD/BC/CE
Apprentice – A person who is mentored by a Laurel in some field of the arts and sciences. They will typically be seen wearing a green belt.
Armored Combat – Recreation of martial combat including “heavy” weapons (swords, axes, spears, etc.), armor, and shields. May be done one-on-one, as a tournament, as a group battle, or even as a war. Sometimes referred to as Heavy Combat
Arts and Sciences (A&S) – The crafts and activities you can study and perform in the SCA.
Authorized – A term used specifically for the martial activities (armored or rapier combat, siege weapons, archery, etc) It means someone who has proven their ability to be safe in the performance of a particular martial activity by passing a skills test administered by a group of marshals.
Autocrat – The person(s) in charge of coordinating an SCA event. They are also called “Event Steward”
Award of Arms (AoA) – Awarded to a member of the populace who has served their local group. It is called an “armigerous” award and confers the right to consider your heraldic device as “arms”. Also grants the title “Lord”, “Lady”, or “Armiger”.
Barony – A local chapter in the SCA, one of many that will make up a kingdom. They are headed by a Baron/Baroness
Board of Directors (or BoD) – The group in charge of the SCA as a whole. Direction from the BoD applies to all kingdoms
Court – A ceremony presided over by the royalty or baronage at an event. It is held to conduct business, give awards and award peerages.
Device – Often mundanely termed “coat of arms”. It is the personal symbol of a Society member, household, or group. A herald can help you design a device, and register it if you choose to
Event – A gathering of SCA members and guests, taking place over a single day, a weekend, or several days or weeks.
Feast – A grand meal at an event featuring specially prepared period dishes. Usually tickets will need to be purchased for a feast
Feast Gear – A place setting for a feast: at least one plate, bowl, goblet, spoon and knife (per person). It can also include a napkin, fork, tablecloth, candles, salt cellar (shaker), etc. If a feast is being served, it’s fairly certain that you will need to bring your own feast gear.
Garb – Recreations of pre-17th century clothing that would have been worn. Garb is differentiated from “costume” in that it recreates everyday clothing that would have been worn by a person of the period portrayed – not something worn on a stage.
“Hold!” – Called to halt activity in the immediate area because of potential danger. If you hear this, become quiet immediately and wait for the hold to end. If you are in combat at the time, drop to one knee and wait.
Household – An association of Society members under a common activity or bond. They have no official standing within the Society.
King / Queen – The current rulers of the kingdom.
Kingdom – A large group comprising smaller chapters such as baronies and shires that are ruled by a King/Queen. Our kingdom is called the Middle Kingdom or Midrealm.
Known World – The entire area of the SCA, its Kingdoms and Principalities.
Mundane – The term used to designate people, things, or activities in modern day life.
Officer – One of the individuals that administrates the activities of a group (local, kingdom, or even Society as a whole).
Order of the Chivarly (or Chiv) – The highest level of award in armored combat. Its members are called either Knights or Masters / Mistresses-at-Arms. They are typically seen wearing a white belt (Knight) or white baldric (Master-at-Arms)
Order of Defense – The highest level of award in rapier combat. Its members are called Masters/Mistress-of-Defense. They are typically seen wearing a white livery collar.
Order of the Laurel – The highest level of award in the Arts and Sciences. Its members are referred to as Masters or Mistresses of the Laurel or simply as “Laurels.” Their badge is a wreath of laurel leaves.
Order of the Pelican – The highest level of award for those who have devoted themselves to the service of their local group, their kingdom, and the Society at large. Its members are referred to as Masters or Mistresses of the Pelican or simply as “Pelicans.” Their badge is the Pelican in Piety
Order of Precedence – The order in which certain awards represent a higher level of achievement and service (i.e. a King is higher than a Baron, a Baron is higher than a Lord, etc.). This varies from kingdom to kingdom.
“Oyez!” – Called to draw attention, as in to start an event or meeting. Pronounced “oi-yay” or “oh-yay”
Peerage – Knights, Laurels, Pelicans, and Masters of Defense.
Persona – Who a member is while participating in SCA activities; based on the peoples of our period. May be as complex as an entire life story, or may simply be a name.
Prince/Princess – The heirs to the throne. They will eventually become King and/or Queen.
Protégé – Mentored by a Pelican in the art of service. They will typically be seen wearing a yellow belt.
Rapier (Combat) – Combat using what is mundanely called “fencing” techniques, weapons, and gear.
Royal Peerage – Nobility who have earned their title by reigning as King or Queen at least once. A Count/Countess has reigned once. A Duke/Duchess has reigned twice or more.
SCAdian – Referring to someone who is a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). You do not need to be a paid member to be a SCAdian.
SCA (Society) Name – The name a Society member chooses to use to represent their persona. Generally the name is accurate to period naming conventions for their chosen time and place.
Shire – A local group, often independent of a Barony, whose officers report to their Regional, and Kingdom level officers. They do not have a Baron/Baroness
Site – The location where an event is held.
Squire – Mentored by a Knight in the field of combat and will be seen wearing a red belt.
Troll – The area of the event site where you sign in and pay your site fee, or confirm pre-registration.