Surcoat

A loose, light, thin coat formerly worn by military men over their armour and upon which their armorial bearings were painted or embroidered, in order that they might be distinguished in time of battle. Sovereigns and the greater nobility are represented, upon the equestrian side of their seals, on horseback, wearing such surcoats. In battle, the knights of St John wore a red surcoat charged with a white Greek Cross rather than the Maltese Cross, their  normal emblem, as worn on their cloaks.

Surcoat of the arms of the deceased. This surcoat, or tabard, which should be borne at all funerals wherein the helmet and crest are carried in the procession.

The  cyclas and jupon are 14th century variations of the surcoat.

See Armour