Q: Was armour worn only by the knightly class?

For a man of sufficient means, however, there could be no substitute for hardened steel. The term ‘man-at-arms’ was used to refer not only to a knight but also any soldier who is outfitted in harness. Men-at-arms could be anything from veteran mercenaries that acquired their armour piecemeal over the years to wealthy merchants who wanted the best protection available in the event of war.