Waffenrock

Waffenrock ([also Waffenkleid] surcoat or tunic) was originally a medieval German term for an outer garment, worn by knights over their armour.

Later, Waffenrock became the generic term for any military uniform, including dress and parade uniforms, and also referred to epaulettes or shoulder boards with rank insignia, as well as uniform cuffs, badges and other insignia. As of 1945, the term is no longer in use by German speaking armed forces, though the Swedish term for a military tunic is the cognate vapenrock.

Historical roots
Waffenrock was derived from the substantive wâfenroc or wâpenroc ("weapon tunic") of knights. It was often made from expensive silk cloth. The colours of this cloth corresponded to those on the shield quartering. In spirit of this, the heraldic figures on the coat of arms were frequently designed by gold and silver embroidery.

In the Prussian Army, the service coat was common called Montierung. It was renamed to Soldatenrock ("soldier's tunic") in October 23, 1842, by the Prussian cabinet order of His Majesty (de: allerhöchste Kabinettsorder). In 1843, it was finally renamed to Waffenrock. All German-speaking armies commonly used this wording, except for the Austro-Hungarian Army (later Austrian Army), where the designation Adjustierung was in use.

Historical examples
The gallery below shows examples of Waffenrock over the suit of armor