privy coat

noun

1. a mail shirt worn under ordinary clothing as a defense against swords or daggers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of privy coat¹

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

"Strike at his head," said she, "for he weareth a privy coat of mail; and if he goes hence alive your own heads shall answer it."

From Project Gutenberg

D'Ambois's sword fails to pierce the privy coat worn by the murderer.

From Project Gutenberg

Mistake me not; I understand not by valour one that never fights but when he is backed with drink or anger, or hissed on with beholders, nor one that is desperate, nor one that takes away a serving-man's weapons when perchance it cost him his quarter's wages, nor yet one that wears a privy coat of defence and therein is confident, for then such as made bucklers would be counted the Catilines of the commonwealth.

From Project Gutenberg

"Strike at his head," said she, "for he weareth a privy coat of mail; and if he goes hence alive your own heads shall answer it."

From Project Gutenberg