noun
bracer; arm guard (archery)
Specifically the protective arm guard worn in Japanese archery (kyudo).
弓道では、左手に小手を着ける。
In kyudo, you wear a bracer on your left arm.
noun
gauntlet; armored glove
Refers to the protective glove or gauntlet used in historical Japanese armor.
甲冑の小手は、手首から先を守る。
The gauntlet of the armor protects the hand and wrist.
noun
kendo glove; fencing glove
The padded glove worn in kendo or fencing to protect the hand and forearm.
剣道の防具は、面、胴、垂れ、そして小手からなる。
Kendo armor consists of a mask, chest protector, waist protector, and gloves.
noun
strike to the forearm (kendo)
In kendo, a valid strike targeting the opponent's forearm; often called out as 'kote!' during matches.
試合で、彼は素早い小手を決めた。
In the match, he landed a quick strike to the forearm.
The kanji 小 (small) and 手 (hand) literally mean 'small hand', referring to the protective gear for the hand and forearm. The reading こて is a native Japanese word.