breastplate

American  

[brest-pleyt] / ˈbrɛstˌpleɪt /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of breastplate

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

Example Sentences

Or perhaps he resembles Paul Mescal, brooding, slicked in oil, and strapped into Crowe’s old breastplate.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2024

A silver breastplate or lacquered body cast by multidisciplinary artist Holly Silius would be a dream, as would a work by Lizette Hernández in dissolved salts and stoneware.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2023

And finally, Zendaya's unforgettable Tom Ford fuchsia breastplate nearly broke the internet after the 2021 Critics Choice Awards.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2023

One wore a sparkly Telfar bag like a breastplate; another had goggles.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2022

Judging from the hoof-shaped prints in the dolphin’s breastplate and helmet, the coach had already made several attempts.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan