Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of personal body armor: "Plate armor" refers to a historical suit of armor made from large, rigid metal plates that are shaped to fit the body and limbs. It is designed to protect a warrior, especially a knight, from weapons in combat.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The knight's plate armor was so heavy he needed help to mount his horse.
  • Museums often display full suits of plate armor from the 15th century.
  • Effective plate armor could deflect sword blows and arrows.

Advanced Usage

• "Suited in plate armor": Describes someone who is wearing a full suit of this armor.
  • The champion entered the lists, fully suited in plate armor.
• "A suit of plate armor": The standard phrase for a complete set.
  • Forging a complete suit of plate armor required great skill from the blacksmith.

Variants and Related Words

• Plate (n): In this context, refers to a single piece of shaped, hardened metal used in the construction of the armor.
  • The breastplate was the largest plate in the suit.
• Armor / Armour (n): The general term for any protective covering used in combat. "Plate armor" is a specific type of armor.
  • Chainmail is a different type of armor made of interlocking metal rings.

Synonyms

• Full plate: A common synonym emphasizing the complete coverage.
• Harness (archaic): An older term for a suit of armor, often implying plate armor.
• Body armor: A broader, modern term for protective gear, which historically includes plate armor.

Related Phrases

• To don armor: To put on armor.
  • The squire helped the knight to don his plate armor.
• Clad in armor: Dressed or covered in armor.
  • The warriors were clad head to toe in gleaming plate armor.

Notes on Meaning

• The reference context provided ("hardened steel plate used to protect fortifications or vehicles") describes armor plate, which is a related but distinct term. Armor plate refers to the material itself (the hardened steel) used for protective purposes on structures or vehicles, not the historical, articulated suit worn by a person. Plate armor specifically denotes the personal, wearable suit.

Noun

1. specially hardened steel plate used to protect fortifications or vehicles from enemy fire