A cuirass (n.) is a piece of armor that covers the back and chest. It was worn during medieval times as part of a full suit of body armor or on its own.
- Pronunciation: / kwɪ'ræs/
- English description: medieval body armor that covers the chest and back
- Synonyms: body armor
- Chinese Translation: 胸甲(xiong1 jia3)
- Spanish Translation: Coraza
- ORIGIN: Cuirass came to English via the French word cuirasse, which itself originated from the Latin word corium, meaning leather. Cuirasses were originally made from leather, but were later constructed from metal or another rigid material. A metal cuirass could be very heavy, so it was sized to fit so that its weight would rest on the wearer's hips and not hang from his shoulders. Although they existed earlier, cuirasses were particularly popular during the Middle Ages.
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
- But thy good right arm is strong enough to defend thy breast better than any cuirass.
- Again I looked for my disciples but now a centurion in cuirass and armed soldiers, carrying shields, grabbed me and forced me outside.
*New word description, story and part of "EXAMPLE SENTENCE" are cited in Vocabulary
Song of the Week: <Try>