Medieval Glossary
Cuirass
A piece of armour that protects the chest and the back. The term originated from the French term cuir, meaning 'leather.' A cuirass was originally a jerkin, or garment of leather for soldiers, that was very thick and strong. The name was afterwards applied to a portion of armour made of metal, consisting of a backplate and breastplate hooked or buckled together.
Related term(s): Jerkin; Backplate; Breastplate; Anime; Anima; Animetta
Category: Armour and Shields
Added: 08.05.05
Source information:
Wilhelm, Thomas. A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer. Philadelphia: L.R. Hamersly & Co., 1881. 123.
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