Why is it called chain mail

Chain mail, also known as chain armor, is a type of armor made from interlocking iron rings that are linked together to form a protective garment. The term "chain" in chain mail refers to the way the individual rings are connected to form a chain-like structure.

There are a few theories about why this type of armor came to be called "chain mail":

1. One theory is that the term "chain" refers to the way the rings are linked together, forming a chain-like pattern. Each ring is connected to the next, creating a continuous chain of protection.
2. Another theory suggests that the term "chain" comes from the Old French word "chainne," which means "chain" or "link." This word was used to describe the interlocking rings of the armor, which were indeed linked together like a chain.
3. Some historians believe that the term "chain mail" may have been coined because the armor was originally made from a type of chain called "maille," which was a type of chain used in medieval Europe. The term "mail" was used to describe the chain-like structure of the armor, and "maille" was used to describe the individual rings that made up the chain.

Regardless of the origin of the term, chain mail has been used for centuries as a form of protective armor, and its unique design has made it a popular choice for many historical reenactors and medieval enthusiasts.