Noun

1. A coat of armor for the body, consisting of scales or plates, sometimes overlapping each other, generally of metal, and sewn to linen or other material. It was worn in the Middle Ages.
   • 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 19:

     The brigandine takes its name from the troops, by which it was first worn, who were called brigans, they were a kind of light armed irregular foot, much addicted to plunder, whence it is probable the appellation of brigands was given to other freebooters.