armour
UK: ˈɑːmə | US: ˈɑːrmər
n. protective covering worn in combat
n. metal plating on military vehicles
n. figurative protection or defense
The word "armour" traces back to Old French "armure," derived from Latin "armatura" (equipment/armor), rooted in "arma" (weapons/tools). The morpheme "arm" originally referred to weapons or limbs (linked to protection), while "-our" evolved as a noun-forming suffix denoting functional objects. Over time, "armour" narrowed from general equipment to specialized protective gear, reflecting its martial logic.
Knights wore heavy armour to shield themselves in battle.
The tank's armour deflected the enemy's bullets.
She relied on humour as emotional armour.
Modern soldiers use lightweight composite armour.
The castle walls served as stone armour against invasions.