This surname of TABBITT was an English and French nickname for a habitual wearer of a tabard, a long sleeveless coat of heavy material. It was also an occupational name for a maker or seller of such garments. Originally the normal outdoor wear of peasants and soldiers, the tabard, was later adopted by knights as an outer garment emblazoned with armorial bearings, and hence by the 16th century had become specialized as the official coat of a herald. The name is also spelt TABBIT, TABART, TAPPERT, TABAREL, TABAREAU, TABARIN and TABARY. During the 17th century surnames were brought to Britain, North America and southern Africa by French Huguenot exiles. The Huguenots were French Protestants, and in 1572 large numbers of them were massacred in Paris on the orders of Queen Catherine de'Medici. Many of the survivors sought refuge in England and elsewhere. Although the Edict of Nantes (1598) officially guaranteed religious toleration, persecution continued, and the Edict was revoked by Louis XIV in 1685. It was then the trickle of emigration became a flood. Many migrated to England, while others joined groups of Dutch Protestants settling around the Cape of Good Hope. Others sailed across the Atlantic to establish themselves in North America. The earliest of the name on record appears to be Thomas TABART, who was recorded in County Kent in the year 1275, and Peter TABARD was recorded in Kent in 1279, John atte TABARD, was documented in 1371, and Edward TABITT of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Surnames as we know them today were first assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th Century. The employment in the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans. They themselves had not long before adopted them. It became, in course of time, a mark of gentler blood, and it was deemed a disgrace for gentlemen to have but one single name, as the meaner sort had. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour. |
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