A wapenshaw or wapinshaw (from the Old English for "weapon show") was originally a gathering and review of troops formerly held in every district in Scotland.[1][2] The object was to satisfy the military chiefs that the arms of their retainers were in good condition[1] and that the men were properly trained in their use.
Use of 'Wapenshaw' in Lawn Bowls
The term is still in use, to describe some competitions by bowling clubs[3][4] in Scotland.
Use of 'Wapenshaw' in Shooting
Wapenshaw is also occasionally used, in Scotland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom for rifle or other gun shows, particularly those involving historic weapons.[5][6]
The Woodcraft Folk
Wapenshaw is also widely used by The Woodcraft Folk to describe a daily ceremony when camping, which involves each camper removing all belongings from their tent and laying them out on a groundsheet in a fixed order. This serves two purposes: to air out the tent, and to ensure that no items have been lost.
References
Further reading
- Wapenshaw as a Woodcraft ceremony. Retrieved June 1, 2005.
- National Rifle Association of Great Britain list of events including a wapenshaw by the Historic Breechloading Smallarms Association. Retrieved June 1, 2005.