Definition of breastplate
1 : a usually metal plate worn as defensive armor for the breast — see armor illustration
2 : a vestment worn in ancient times by a Jewish high priest and set with 12 gems bearing the names of the tribes of Israel
3 : a piece against which a worker's breast is pressed in operating a tool (such as a breast drill)
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First Known Use of breastplate
14th century
BREASTPLATE Defined for English Language Learners
breastplate
playDefinition of breastplate for English Language Learners
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: a piece of metal that covers a person's chest and that was part of the protective clothing (called armor) that soldiers wore in the past
BREASTPLATE Defined for Kids
breastplate
playDefinition of breastplate for Students
: a piece of armor for covering the breast
Learn More about breastplate
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See words that rhyme with breastplate Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breastplate
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