1. A historical type of personal armour made from iron or steel plates, which superseded mail during the 14th century
   "The increasing power and availability of firearms and the nature of large, state-supported infantry led to more portions of plate armour being cast off in favour of cheaper, more mobile troops"; "The increasing power and availability of firearms and the nature of large, state-supported infantry led to more portions of plate armour being cast off in favour of cheaper, more mobile troops.";
   - plate armor [US]
    
2. Specially hardened steel plate used to protect fortifications or vehicles from enemy fire
   "The tank's plate armour deflected most of the incoming projectiles";
   - armor plate [US], armour plate [Brit, Cdn], armor plating [US], plate armor [US], armour plating [Brit, Cdn]

Derived forms: plate armours

Type of: body armor [US], body armour [Brit, Cdn], cataphract, coat of mail, plate, scale, shell, suit of armor [US], suit of armour [Brit, Cdn]

Encyclopedia: Plate armour