Definition of "breastplate" [breast•plate]

• A piece of armor that covers the breast. (noun)
• Judaism A square cloth set with 12 precious stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel, worn over the breast by ancient high priests. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "38 Along the walls stood men-at-arms, in breastplate and morion, with halberds for their only weapon."
• "Good gods, what am I going to do with this fine ten-mina breastplate, which is so splendidly made?"
• "Beside the breastplate was a round helm, also of bronze and lined with leather."