chest protector

noun

, Baseball.

1. a protective pad worn over the chest by a catcher or umpire to shield the body from foul tips.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chest protector¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

After Bugs Bunny slides into home plate without a tag, the impostor ump calls out Bugs, who crawls up the Gorilla’s chest protector and literally goes nose-to-nose with him, inside his face mask.

From Washington Post

The chest protector was paper-thin with the faded mark of “Spalding” in the top left hand corner.

From The Daily Beast

An apparatus for getting at nuts without cracking them; or a chest-protector for Cæsar to wear in damp weather?

From Project Gutenberg

Women tightened up about the throat and dared to wonder whether he wore a chest-protector and asafetida bag.

From Project Gutenberg

A chest protector, like the one we illustrate, is invaluable for the girl who has a weak chest, and is out in all weathers.

From Project Gutenberg

Sew them in your chest protector, or wherever people keep valuables.

From Project Gutenberg

"I wish I'd get a chance," he said, prancing about digging vicious holes in the glove, that looked like a chest protector.

From Project Gutenberg