cuirass

[kwi-ras]

noun

1. Also called corselet. defensive armor for the torso comprising a breastplate and backplate, originally made of leather.

2. either of the plates forming such armor.

3. any similar covering, as the protective armor of a ship.

4. Zoology.,  a hard shell or other covering forming an indurated defensive shield.

verb (used with object)

1. to equip or cover with a cuirass.

cuirass

/ kwɪˈræs /

noun

1. a piece of armour, of leather or metal covering the chest and back

2. a hard outer protective covering of some animals, consisting of shell, plate, or scales

3. any similar protective covering, as on a ship

verb

1. (tr) to equip with a cuirass

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuirass¹

1425–75; < French cuirasse < Late Latin coriācea, noun use of feminine of coriāceus (adj.) leather, equivalent to Latin cori ( um ) leather + -āceus -aceous; replacing late Middle English curas < Middle French curasse, variant of cuirasse

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuirass¹

C15: from French cuirasse, from Late Latin coriacea, from coriaceus made of leather, from Latin corium leather