CATAPHRACT Meaning and
Definition
-
A cataphract is a term derived from the ancient Greek word "kataphraktos," meaning "fully armored." In historical contexts, it refers to a heavily armed and armored cavalryman in ancient and medieval times. A cataphract is typically mounted on a horse or other equine animal, and their main defining characteristic is the complete body protection they wore, as opposed to lighter-armored cavalry units.
Traditionally, a cataphract would be equipped with an array of protective armor, including a metal helmet, cuirass (breastplate and backplate), greaves (shin armor), as well as arm and hand protection. The horse ridden by a cataphract was also armored, with protective coverings for its head, neck, body, and occasionally even the legs.
Cataphracts played a crucial role in numerous ancient and medieval armies, including the Persian, Parthian, Roman, Byzantine, and Sassanian empires. They were renowned for their offensive and defensive capabilities, being able to withstand enemy attacks while delivering powerful charges, often armed with spears, lances, or bows.
The term "cataphract" can also be used in a broader sense to describe any heavily armored warrior or unit that fights from horseback or is mounted on another animal. In contemporary usage, it is often limited to historical discussions or used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is exceptionally well-protected or impenetrable.
-
Defensive armour; a horseman in complete armour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CATAPHRACT
- xataphract
- vataphract
- fataphract
- dataphract
- cztaphract
- cstaphract
- cwtaphract
- cqtaphract
- caraphract
- cafaphract
- cagaphract
- cayaphract
- ca6aphract
- ca5aphract
- catzphract
- catsphract
- catwphract
- catqphract
- cataohract
Etymology of CATAPHRACT
The word "cataphract" derives from the Greek term "kataphraktos", which means "completely enclosed". It is a combination of the prefix "kata", meaning "down" or "completely", and "phraktos", meaning "enclosed" or "covered". In ancient Greece, the term referred to heavily armored cavalry soldiers who were fully protected with armor from head to toe. The concept of cataphracts originated in the East and spread throughout the Greek world, and later the Roman and Byzantine Empires.
Similar spelling word for CATAPHRACT
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
