A cuirass is a piece of armor that covers the torso, typically made of metal or leather. It is designed to protect vital organs during combat. The cuirass often consists of two main parts: the front and back plates, which are fastened together to provide full coverage. Historically, the cuirass was used by various military forces, including the ancient Romans and medieval knights. It is often associated with the breastplate and backplate components of armor. The design of the cuirass has evolved over time, influencing modern body armor used by military and law enforcement today.