plastron

noun plas·tron \ˈplas-trən\

Definition of PLASTRON

a : a metal breastplate formerly worn under the hauberk

b : a quilted pad worn in fencing to protect the chest, waist, and the side on which the weapon is held

: the ventral part of the shell of a tortoise or turtle consisting typically of nine symmetrically placed bones overlaid by horny plates

a : a trimming like a bib for a woman's dress

b : dickey 1a

: a thin film of air held by water-repellent hairs of some aquatic insects

Middle French, from Old Italian piastrone, augmentative of piastra thin metal plate — more at piastre

First Known Use: circa 1507

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