Breastplate

Breastplate, in ancient armour, was a plate of iron, steel, or other metal, so fastened as to protect the chest of the wearer. The backplate, in like manner, protected him from attack from behind. The two together form what is now called the cuirass, worn by the cuirassiers of European armies, and by the household cavalry (Life-guards and Horse-guards) in England. See ARMOUR.