chest protector

nounBaseball.

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

Origin of chest protector

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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.
‘Baseball Bugs’ at 75: How a Looney Tunes classic left its mark on America’s pastime | Frederic J. Frommer | February 25, 2021 | Washington Post
The chest protector was paper-thin with the faded mark of “Spalding” in the top left hand corner.
Pro Sports’ Hero Deficit | Buzz Bissinger | July 6, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
An apparatus for getting at nuts without cracking them; or a chest-protector for Cæsar to wear in damp weather?
Fifty-Two Stories For Girls | Various
Women tightened up about the throat and dared to wonder whether he wore a chest-protector and asafetida bag.
Just Around the Corner | Fannie Hurst
A chest protector, like the one we illustrate, is invaluable for the girl who has a weak chest, and is out in all weathers.
Needlework Economies | Various

Sew them in your chest protector, or wherever people keep valuables.
The Man in Lower Ten | Mary Roberts Rinehart
"I wish I'd get a chance," he said, prancing about digging vicious holes in the glove, that looked like a chest protector.
The Varmint | Owen Johnson

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