a sacerdotal habit or vestment, worn by the Jews high-priest. The Jews called it Hhochoen, the Greeks λαρνακα, the Latins rationale and pectorale, and in our version of the Bible it is called breastplate. It consisted of embroidered stuff, about a span square, and was worn upon the breast, set with twelve precious stones, ranged in four rows, and containing the names of the twelve tribes. It was fastened to the shoulder by two chains and hooks of gold. God himself prescribed the form of it. See BREASTPLATE.

a breastplate of thin brafs, about 12 fingers square, worn by the poorer soldiers in the Roman army, who were rated under 1000 drachmae. See Lorica.

an epithet for medicines good in diseases of the breast and lungs.