cuirassé

Cuirassé is a French term that translates to "armored" or "armoured" in English. It is most commonly associated with the French Navy's battleships, which were known as cuirassés. These ships were a significant part of the naval arsenal during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the age of sail and the early days of steam-powered ships.

The term cuirassé itself refers to the heavy armor plating that protected these ships. The French Navy was particularly renowned for its use of this type of armor, which was a significant factor in the design and construction of their battleships. The cuirassés were characterized by their thick armor belts and turrets, which provided them with a formidable defense against enemy fire.

The most famous examples of cuirassés include the Dreadnought, which was the first all-big-gun battleship and marked a significant shift in naval warfare. The French also had their own notable cuirassés, such as the Danton and the Charlemagne, which were part of the French fleet during the early 20th century.

The term cuirassé is also used more broadly to refer to any heavily armored vehicle or structure, reflecting its original meaning of "armored." This includes armored trains, armored cars, and even armored fortifications. The concept of cuirassé has had a lasting impact on military and engineering design, influencing the development of modern armored vehicles and fortifications.