chain-mail

The term "chain-mail" is a modern compound, though the armor itself is ancient. The word "mail" has a long journey, originating from the Latin macula, meaning a 'spot' or 'mesh of a net', which evolved in Old French to maille, referring specifically to the metal rings or links of armor. "Chain" derives from Latin catena, meaning a series of connected links. The compound "chain-mail" is therefore a descriptive, somewhat redundant term (literally "chain armor") coined in the 18th century to specify the ringed type of mail, distinguishing it from other forms like plate or scale armor. It logically describes the core characteristic of the armor: protective fabric made of interlinked chains.

Structure: chain (link) + mail (armor) - chain: From Old French chaeine, from Latin catena (chain, fetter). In this compound, it denotes the linked, ringed structure. - mail: From Old French maille (mesh, link of armor), from Latin macula (spot, mesh of a net). In this compound, it denotes the protective metal armor.