What is the name of the long pleated arrangement of fine linen worn by a widow during the Middle Ages, resembling a beard?

During the Middle Ages, a widow would wear a long pleated arrangement of fine linen known as a barbe. This distinctive garment often resembled a beard and served as a symbol of mourning, differentiating widows and illustrating their status in society during that time. The barbe was a practical and fashionable piece of attire that also signified the widow's commitment to mourning and her loss.

The other terms, while similarly related to garments or coverings, do not accurately describe this specific type of arrangement. For instance, a veil generally refers to a piece of fabric worn over the face or head; a shroud pertains to the cloth used to cover a body for burial; and a cap usually denotes a head covering that does not have the unique pleating characteristic of the barbe. Hence, the correct choice is the barbe, as it encapsulates the historical context and cultural significance of mourning attire for widows in that era.