a defensive habit, wherewith to cover and secure the body from the attacks of an enemy. In ancient statutes this is frequently called harmes.—Parts of armour are, the buckler, cuirass, helmet, coat of mail, gauntlet, &c.

A complete armour anciently consisted of a casque or helm, a gorget, cuirass, gauntlets, tasses, braefits, cuisses, and covers for the legs, to which the spurs were fastened. This they called armour cap-a-pie; and was the wear of the cavaliers and men at arms.—The infantry had only part of it; viz. a pot or head-piece, a cuirass, and tasses; but all light. Lastly, The horses themselves had their armour, wherewith to cover the head and neck. Of all this furniture of war, scarce any thing is now retained except the cuirass; the gorget, or neck-piece, worn by officers, being at present only a badge of honour, and of no defence.

The gallantry of going to the battle naked, without any defensive armour, prevailed so far, that the French, during the reign of Louis XIV. were obliged to be continually issuing ordinances to restrain it; in consequence of which the general officers, and those of the cavalry, were obliged to resume the cuirass, which yet has been but ill observed.

Coat, is the escutcheon of any person, or family, with its several charges, and other furniture; as mantling, crest, supporters, motto, &c. Thus we say, a gentleman of coat armour; meaning one who bears arms.