breastplate

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a piece of armor that protects the chest or front of the torso

   The ceremonial breastplate was made of bronze and decorated with silver.

2. 2
   noun

   a strap or harness across a horse's chest that keeps the saddle from slipping backward

   The rider tightened the breastplate before beginning the steep climb.

From Middle English brestplate, a compound of breast + plate. The armor sense refers to a rigid plate protecting the chest; equestrian use later applied the same image to a strap or harness crossing a horse's breast.

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