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Glite Dictionary
chain armor

chain armor

8.2
A protective shirt made of small metal rings linked together, worn by knights and soldiers
  • noun
  • /tʃeɪn ˈɑːrmər/
  • US
translation icon : armadura de anillas
  • "The chain armor has its place for scouting and speed," Brigit was saying as Alicia and Brandon drew even with them.

Examples

  • Friedrich's team discovered the tips of spears and crossbows, as well as links from chain armor.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The knight wore chain armor to protect himself during battles in the Middle Ages.

  • During the museum tour, we admired a suit of chain armor that had been used by a medieval warrior.

  • In the historical reenactment, the soldiers donned chain armor to showcase authentic medieval combat attire.

Synonyms

mail
vschain armor
  • Archaic
8 9.9

Armor made of small metal rings joined to protect the body

is the same armor described specifically by the key concept
chain mail
vschain armor
4 8.6

A flexible shirt of small metal rings joined together for protection

is the same armor and is the form chosen for the key entry
ring mail
vschain armor
1 9.9

A type of flexible armor made of small metal rings linked together

is the general label used in the key description for that armor
ring armor
vschain armor
  • Archaic
9.9

Flexible protective clothing made from small metal rings linked together

is the same armor but named differently in the key entry
hauberk
vschain armor
  • Archaic
9.9

A long shirt of metal rings worn by soldiers for protection in battle

is the general type of flexible armor rather than this specific garment
byrnie
vschain armor
  • Archaic
9.9

Long coat made of many small metal rings worn without sleeves for protection in battle

is the general armor type not only this sleeveless garment form

How Protective

plate armor
  • Specialized
8.0
chain armor
  • US
8.2
scaled
4.9
gambeson
  • Archaic
9.9

Surface Forms

chain armor singular
chain armors plural

Morphology

chain + armor

The overall meaning is directly compositional: 'chain' (connected metal rings) modifies 'armor' (protective suit), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer armor made from chains. This is a regular noun–noun compound pattern found across languages and historical descriptions, making the expression immediately understandable.

Etymology

Chain armor gets its name from how it is made: many small metal rings linked together like a chain to form a flexible cover. People in the Middle Ages wore this metal layer to 'protect' themselves in battle, so the name shows that the armor is made of linked rings and meant for 'protection'.