A cuirass is a piece of armour that covers the torso, formed of one or more pieces of metal or other rigid material. The word probably originates from the original material, leather, from the French cuirace and Latin word coriacea. The use of the term "cuirass" generally refers to both the breastplate and the backplate pieces; whereas a breastplate only protects the front, a cuirass protects both the front and the back of the wearer.
Cuirass worn by a Carabinier-à-Cheval
An Ancient Greek bronze cuirass, dated between 620 and 580 BC
Indian steel cuirass, 17th to 18th century
M1872 helmet and M1855 cuirass worn by the French cuirassiers
Armour or armor is a covering used to protect an object, individual, or vehicle from physical injury or damage, especially direct contact weapons or projectiles during combat, or from a potentially dangerous environment or activity. Personal armour is used to protect soldiers and war animals. Vehicle armour is used on warships, armoured fighting vehicles, and some combat aircraft, mostly ground attack aircraft.
Western Xia mail armour
Portrait of a Gentleman in Armour with Two Pages by Paris Bordone
The Dendra panoply, Mycenaean Greek armour, c. 1400 BC
Wooden statue of Guan Yu in mountain pattern armour, 16th c. Ming dynasty
