n. [ L. cataphractes, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; covered, fr. &unr_; to cover; kata` down, wholly + fra`ssein to inclose. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Mil. Antiq.) Defensive armor used for the whole body and often for the horse, also, esp. the linked mail or scale armor of some eastern nations. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A horseman covered with a cataphract. [ 1913 Webster ]

Archers and slingers, cataphracts, and spears. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Zool.) The armor or plate covering some fishes. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Zool.) Covered with a cataphract, or armor of plates, scales, etc.; or with that which corresponds to this, as horny or bony plates, hard, callous skin, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of, pertaining to, or resembling, a cataphract. [ 1913 Webster ]