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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of breastplate

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English brestplate; 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

Another AI image of the singer, this time wearing a gold corseted gown with a key breastplate on the red carpet, has also been going viral with over 5 million views.

From BBC • May 7, 2024

Sporting a skirt, a metal breastplate and a Trojan war helmet, the “Saturday Night Live” alum twirled a prop sword as the band played its fight song.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2023

The bustier appeared on its own under suits, in satiny pastels, or incorporated into slinky slip dresses, as a sort of breastplate on clinging tops and even as a detail on a long leather jacket.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2022

Deep shiny gashes gleamed all over the knight's armor, on his right thigh, his beaked visor, crossing on his breastplate, a long one along the front of his gorget.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin