noun

cataphract

KAT-uh-frakt

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Cataphract (noun) means a cataphract is a suit of defensive armour covering a soldier's whole body and often the soldier's horse as well, typically made of linked mail or scale armour used by certain eastern armies. Example: “The linked scales of the cataphract protected both rider and horse in battle.”

noun

historical A cataphract is a suit of defensive armour covering a soldier's whole body and often the soldier's horse as well, typically made of linked mail or scale armour used by certain eastern armies.

"The linked scales of the cataphract protected both rider and horse in battle."

"Museums display fragments of cataphract armour recovered from old battlefields."

"Making a full cataphract for a horse took a great deal of skilled labour."

historical A cataphract is also a heavily armoured soldier, especially a horseman, dressed in this kind of armour.

"The cataphracts formed the heaviest cavalry in the army."

"Enemy infantry struggled to break through a charge of cataphracts."

"A cataphract's horse needed to be strong enough to carry the weight of both riders' armour."

How to use cataphract

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cataphract is heavy body armour for a soldier and horse, or the armoured soldier wearing it.

When to use it

This is a specialist historical and military term, not used in everyday speech.

Memory tip

Stress the first syllable, KAT-uh-frakt, and note the word covers both the armour and the soldier who wears it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

cataphract cavalry cataphract armour charge of cataphracts heavily armoured cataphract

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Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “cataphract” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The linked scales of the _____ protected both rider and horse in battle.

Etymology

Cataphract comes from a Latin word for a suit of armour, which was itself taken from Ancient Greek. The Greek word combines a prefix indicating great degree with a term meaning protected or fenced in, plus a suffix that forms nouns describing a state of being.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What is a cataphract?

It is a full suit of armour, usually of linked mail or scale, that covered a soldier and often the soldier's horse, and by extension the armoured soldier who wore it.

Were cataphracts cavalry or infantry?

The term most often refers to heavily armoured cavalry, since the armour was designed to cover both rider and horse.

Where does the word cataphract come from?

It traces back through Latin to an Ancient Greek word built from parts meaning intensely protected or fenced in.

What is the meaning of cataphract?

"cataphract" (noun) means a cataphract is a suit of defensive armour covering a soldier's whole body and often the soldier's horse as well, typically made of linked mail or scale armour used by certain eastern armies.