cataphract

2 definitions found

cataphract - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Cataphract \Cat"a*phract\ (k[a^]t"[.a]*fr[a^]kt), n. [L.
     cataphractes, Gr. ?, fr. ? covered, fr. ? to cover; kata`
     down, wholly + fra`ssein to inclose.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. (Mil. Antiq.) Defensive armor used for the whole body and
        often for the horse, also, esp. the linked mail or scale
        armor of some eastern nations.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A horseman covered with a cataphract.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Archers and slingers, cataphracts, and spears.
                                                    --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Zool.) The armor or plate covering some fishes.
        [1913 Webster]

cataphract - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  cataphract
      n 1: armor that protects the wearer's whole body [syn: body armor
           , body armour, suit of armor, suit of armour,
           coat of mail, cataphract]