Cat″a‐phract (kăt″ȧ‐frăkt), n. [L. cataphractes, Gr. �, fr. � covered, fr. � to cover; κατά down, wholly + φράσσειν to inclose.] 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.
2. A horseman covered with a cataphract.
Archers and slingers, cataphracts, and spears.
Milton.
3. (Zoöl.) The armor or plate covering some fishes.