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 defensive armor for the torso comprising a breastplate and backplate, originally made of leather.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

Example Sentences

“We’re talking about somebody who already knows how to wear a cuirass,” she said.

From New York Times

The breastplate – or “muscle cuirass” – has been used to craft an idealised version of the body since Greco-Roman times, protecting the torso while creating the illusion of muscles.

From The Guardian

The Dukes of Berry and Brittany, two decent men, might have been trotting along the road, in satin cuirasses which imitated steel.

From Literature

“Men in Armor” brings together only two canvases, both portraits of bearded Italian gentlemen wearing gleaming cuirasses, as upper-body armor has been called since the time of the Romans.

From New York Times

William Randolph Hearst, one of the most enthusiastic collectors, had an entire armory in his Riverside Drive penthouse: enough pikes, halberds, helms, hauberks, greaves, gauntlets, cuisses and cuirasses to outfit a crusade.

From New York Times