battle rattle

noun

US slang

: full combat gear worn by a soldier

It's a huge leap forward. But, sadly, it's not surprising that, for many Americans, the thought of a woman in full battle rattle fighting alongside men is anathema.

—Peg McEntee, The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah), 28 Jan. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!