which encumbered the knights on
foot, have been ignorantly translated spurs, (Anna Comnena,
Alexias, l. v. p. 140.) Ducange has explained the true sense
by a ridiculous and inconvenient fashion, which lasted from
the xith to the xvth century. These peaks, in the form of a
scorpion, were sometimes two feet and fastened to the knee
with a silver chain.