plate armor

This term refers specifically to the heavy, articulated steel plating characteristic of the late Middle Ages. It is distinct from chainmail, which consists of interlocking rings, though the two were often worn together for maximum protection.

In modern usage, the term is almost exclusively associated with historical reenactments, museums, or fantasy settings. It carries a connotation of rigidity, weight, and high social status, as such equipment was prohibitively expensive and reserved for the nobility or professional soldiers.