cataphract Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun armor that protects the wearer's whole body
    body armor; body armour; coat of mail; suit of armor; suit of armour.

WordNet

Cat"a*phract noun
Etymology
L. cataphractes, Gr. , fr. covered, fr. to cover; down, wholly + to inclose.
Definitions
  1. (Mil. Antiq.) Defensive armor used for the whole body and often for the horse, also, esp. the linked mail or scale armor of some eastern nations.
  2. A horseman covered with a cataphract.
    Archers and slingers, cataphracts, and spears. Milton.
  3. (Zoöl.) The armor or plate covering some fishes.

Webster 1913