/kwi ras"/ , n.
1. Also called corselet . defensive armor for the torso comprising a breastplate and backplate, originally made of leather.
2. either of the plates forming such armor.
3. any similar covering, as the protective armor of a ship.
4. Zool. a hard shell or other covering forming an indurated defensive shield.
v.t.
5. to equip or cover with a cuirass.
[ 1425-75; cuirasse coriacea, n. use of fem. of coriaceus (adj.) leather, equiv. to L cori ( um ) leather + -aceus -ACEOUS; r. late ME curas curasse, var. of cuirasse ]