breastplate

[ brest-pleyt ]

noun

1. a piece of plate armor partially or completely covering the front of the torso: used by itself or as part of a cuirass.
2. the part of the harness that runs across the chest of a saddle horse.
3. Judaism.
   1. a square, richly embroidered vestment ornamented with 12 precious stones, each inscribed with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel, secured to the ephod of the high priest and worn on the chest. Exodus 28:15–28.
   2. a rectangular ornament, typically of silver, suspended by a chain over the front of a scroll of the Torah.
4. a plate opposite the chuck end of a breast drill against which the operator's chest is placed.

breastplate

/ ˈbrɛstˌpleɪt /

noun

1. a piece of armour covering the chest
2. the strap of a harness covering a horse's breast
3. Judaism an ornamental silver plate hung on the scrolls of the Torah
4. Old Testament a square vestment ornamented with 12 precious stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, worn by the high priest when praying before the holy of holies
5. zoology a nontechnical name for plastron

Word History and Origins

Origin of breastplate¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English brestplate; breast, plate ¹

Example Sentences

Lastly, in terms of practicality, heavy metallic breastplates would have been unnecessary for the well-drilled soldiers in the rear ranks of a guarded phalanx.

From Realm of History

They were paired with a white top with a classically articulated bust line that also called to mind a modern breastplate.

From The Daily Beast

The smoking, roaring engine carried a large bouquet of roses on its breastplate, like a bridesmaid at some leviathan wedding.

From Project Gutenberg

Where is thy strong breastplate and the rest of thy steel armor?

From Project Gutenberg

Was the mitr a separate article or a continuation of the breastplate, lower down, struck by a dropping arrow?

From Project Gutenberg

Yet I think the cry was less from pain than to see the marring of her shining breastplate; and the tears started to her eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

There stands opposite a grander monument to a mighty earl, and over it hangs a breastplate and gauntlets of steel.

From Project Gutenberg