chain mail

Definition

A flexible defensive armor, made of a mesh of interlinked metal rings.

Etymology

chain + mail; attested since the 1780s.

Example Sentences

• "Chain mail is formed by a number of iron rings, each ring having four others inserted into it, the whole exhibiting a kind of net work, with circular meshes, every ring separately rivetted; this kind of mail answers to that worn on the ancient breast plates, whence they were denominated loricæ hammatæ, from the rings being hooked together."
• "A few broken broadswords, a helmet and a couple of chain mails preserved in museums are all the relics of those far-off times."
• "Chain mails were also sometimes attached to the back of Viking helmets to protect the neck."