Chainmail is called mail based on the Old French “maille,” meaning “mesh.” Chainmail is called ring mail, mail, ring armor, chain armor, or hauberk. Chainmail is a flexible mesh material made of metal. It is a garment worn as a part of a suit of armor that knights wear for protection. Chain armor is made from small metal rings interconnected to form a metal fabric. It can defend knights from cutting and slashing weapons but is less protective against sharp and thrusting blades. Chainmail was worn in the Middle Ages as a more lightweight option for hard and heavy plate armor. This metallic mesh shirt is known as a hauberk.