I thought that panzerhose were used to attach the chainmail leggings,
however the panzerhose in the link below is dated 14-15 century when they did not use they chainmail leggings.
http://www.tforum.info/forum/index.php?act=At...p;id=12460

Do you know/think that they have been used for padding only?

Since there is mail attached to what would be the back of the knee, I assume that they are for use with plate cuisses, greaves and poleyns. They would protect the spot that is left uncovered by the plate parts. Really the same concept as with an arming doublet with attached mail voiders.

Johan Schubert Moen

I'm with Johan on this one, I think he's spot on.

M.