armor etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: armeure
  • Late Latin: armatura, from arma ("arms, weapons")
  • Proto-Indo-European: *h₂erm- ("to cover, clothe")

Meaning:

Armor refers to protective covering worn by warriors and military personnel, designed to shield them from enemy weapons and projectiles.

Origin:

The concept of armor has existed throughout human history, with evidence of its use dating back to the Stone Age. Early forms of armor were made from animal skins, wood, or bone. As civilizations developed, so too did the materials and techniques used to create armor.

In ancient times, armor was primarily crafted from metal, such as bronze, iron, and steel. Greek hoplites wore bronze helmets, breastplates, and greaves, while Roman legionaries sported chain mail and segmented armor.

During the Middle Ages, armor became increasingly sophisticated, with the development of full plate armor. This type of armor consisted of a complete suit of fitted metal plates, covering the wearer from head to toe. It reached its peak of development in the 15th and 16th centuries, when it was commonly used by knights and men-at-arms.

With the advent of firearms, the use of armor gradually declined. However, it still finds limited application in modern military and law enforcement contexts, where protective vests and helmets are worn to shield against bullets and shrapnel.

armor relate terms

  • armorer

    Etymology Old French armure meaning armour Latin armatura meaning armour Proto I

  • armor

    Etymology Old French armeure Late Latin armatura from arma arms weapons Proto I

  • armory

    Etymology Old French armurerie Latin armatura armor Proto Indo European _ h₂er

  • cataphract

    Etymology Derived from Ancient Greek kataphraktos κατάφρακτος Meaning

  • harness

    Etymology The word harness derives from two possible sources Old French harneis o

  • spoliation

    Etymology Latin spoliare to rob plunder Meaning Spoliation refers to the inte

  • cuirass

    Etymology Cuirass derives from the Old French cuirasse which in turn comes from the

  • Pyrrhic

    Etymology The term Pyrrhic comes from the Greek Πύρρος Pyrrhos the name of

  • protection

    Etymology The word protection comes from the Old French word protection which in tur

  • force

    Etymology The word force originates from the Latin word fortis which means strong