cataphract
/ˈkætəˌfrækt/
noun
- A heavily armored cavalry soldier in ancient warfare, especially in the armies of Persia and Rome.
- In the museum, a replica of a cataphract's armor showed how heavy and protective it was.
- The cataphract charged into battle with both horse and rider covered in metal plates.
- Historians study the cataphract as an early example of shock cavalry.