The war horse or charger used by knights, who might campaign with as many as four destriers. They were large beasts, strong enough to carry a man in armour. Destriers were trained not to shy when jousting at a *tilt, nor in a full charge against a real enemy. A fully trained destrier lost in battle would be worth £20 or more in *restauratio equorum. Superior mounts could be worth as much as £100. For example, a grey bought for Edward III in 1331 cost £120, while Richard II rode to his coronation on a charger worth £200. The Latin term for such an animal was dextrarius. [AnNor. < Lat. dexter = right-hand side; the knight's *squire led the war horse with his right hand.] -
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.