What do they mean by that?

Silver Desert If you've just joined the SCA you may discover that your kingdom newsletter and new friends may be hard to follow at first. People, groups and offices all assume names with a medieval flavor, and there is a whole new vocabulary for everyday items as well. You'll get used to it quickly, but here are a few of the main words to start with. So, if you run across a word you don't understand, just check out this list!
 A-H  I-
key Anachronism: Anything out of its proper time, from the Greek ana, backwards or reversed, and khronizein, to belong to a particular time.
key A.S.: Anno Societatis. The dating system used in the S.C.A. All dates are counted from May 1st, 1966.
key Arms: (Device) The heraldic emblem that identifies a person or entity. Displaying arms is a right granted by the King and Queen and subject to approval by the Kingdom college of Heralds and the SCA College of Arms.
key Apprentice: A student who has been accepted by a Master or Mistress of the Laurel.
key Authorized: An individual who has been formally recognized as trained to an adequate level of safety in a combat or combat-related activity.
key Autocrat: The individual in charge of a specific event.
key Award of Arms: The first level of award that conveys rank and status in the SCA, giving the holder the right to bear heraldic Arms and use the title Lord or Lady.
key Bardic Circle: A gathering where the major activity is the exchange of songs and stories in a medieval style.
key Chatelaine: The officer in charge of greeting and helping newcomers. Also loans costumes and gear as needed (Gold Key).
key Chirurgeon: (pronounced kie-ur-jun) An officer with first-aid training who stands bv at events to render assistance as needed. Chirugeons are required to have formal qualification, at least a multi-media First Aid Card and CPR.
key Chronicler: The officer in charge of a group's newsletter.
key Circlet: A metal band worn on the head, to keep the hair out of the eyes or the veil in place.  Many kingdoms have sumptuary laws in regards to the allowed width of circlets, before investing in one, it is suggested that you check your kingdom's laws.  Kingdom of the West has no sumptuary laws.
key Clear: A word called to indicate that someone is about to draw a steel weapon, so passers-by should watch where they step.
key Consort: One whose favor a fighter carries into a tournament. (In a Crown tournament, should the fighter win the tournament, the consort would be co-ruler with that fighter.)
key Court: The word generally refers to a formal gathering of an SCA chapter, presided over by its ceremonial leaders. The primary activities of a court include announcements, presentations and awards from the leaders to individuals in the group.
key Crash Space: Informal lodging with members of the group holding an event. Many SCA members regard anyone in the organization as a distant cousin, and make floor space available for out of town visitors.
key Dry/Damp/
Wet Site: 		This refers to a site's alcoholic beverage policy.  Dry sites allow no alcohol.  Damp sites permit wine, beer, and mead, but no hard liquor.  Wet sites do not restrict alcohol.  "Discreetly" damp or wet means that the site is normally dry, but the owners have agreed to permit us to use alcohol as long as the labelled containers are kept out of sight and are removed at the end of the event.
key Eric: Used today to describe the field where the tournament combat is to take place. Originally when the SCA was founded, a red cloth was used to mark off the field. This red cloth was affectionately known as Eric the Red. The name Eric stuck and has far out-lasted the cloth.
key Event: An SCA gathering, usually with a special medieval theme. Events can be held indoors at a variety of sites or at campgrounds.
key Farspeaker: A telephone.
key Favor: A ribbon or other personal token given (usually to a fighter) as a mark of esteem. Favors may indicate simple friendship or a commitment to serve as consort.
key Fealty: A relationship between individuals, marked by an exchange of oaths of service and protection.
key Feast: An event at which the main activity is the consumption of an elaborate meal, often accompanied by entertainment.
key Feast Gear: Tableware for one diner. Almost all SCA feasts assume that the guests will bring everything they need to eat in comfort, including plates, bowls, goblets and utensils. Many people also bring decorative tablecloths, candles and other items to grace their table.
key Garb: The medieval clothing worn at SCA events.  (After a few events, it doesn't feel like a costume anymore!)
key Gentles: A general reference to the lords and ladies assembled.
key Gold Key: A collection of loaner garb and gear for the use of newcomers, generally maintained by the Chatelaine.
key Guild: An organization chartered in one or more kingdoms to promote the study and practice of some particular Art or Science.
key Herald: Generic term for the officers in charge of the development and registration of names and devices, and for making announcements at Court and events.
key High Table: The table at a feast where the presiding nobility and the honored guests are seated. Also called "Head Table."
key HOLD!: A cry meaning "Stop whatever you are doing and freeze in place until you see where the hazard is!" The basic use is in combat, but it's been extended to cover all forms of activity
key Household: A voluntary association of friends or people with similar interest. organized under whatever rules the members jointly accept. Households have no formal standing in the SCA.

More Definitions!

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