The tyranny of the French triggered a revolt by the townspeople. In 1302, Bruges weavers led by Pieter de Coninck slaughtered French knights (the so-called Bruges Tomorrows). Anyone who could not pronounce the formula Scilt ende vrient - shield and friend-correctly was killed. Soon there was a decisive slash with the French. The insurgent forces consisted of peasants, dyers, weavers, and Flemish butchers, armed with axes, pitchforks, spades and goedendagi (medieval infantry white weapons used for hand-to-hand combat). At Courtrai, near Kortrijk, the insurgent army defeated a good French army comprising the flower of European chivalry.
