Cuirassiers were cavalry equipped with a cuirass, sword, and pistols. Cuirassiers first appeared in mid to late 16th century Europe as many heavy armoured cavalry discarded lances and adopted the use of pistols and sabres as their primary weapons.
In the later part of the 17th century the cuirassier lost the limb armour and subsequently wore only the cuirass (breastplate and backplate), and helmet. By this time, the sword or sabre had become the primary weapon, with pistols relegated to a secondary function.
The French term cuirassier means “one with a cuirass” (French: cuirasse), the breastplate armour which they wore.
Cuirassiers achieved increased prominence during the Napoleonic Wars.
Though the armour could not protect against contemporary flintlock musket fire, it could deflect shots fired from long-range, stop ricochets and offer protection from all but very close range pistol fire.
More importantly, in an age which saw cavalry used in large numbers, the breastplates and helmets provided excellent protection against the swords and lances of opposing cavalry and against infantry equipped with bayonets.
There was some psychological effect for the wearer, making the cuirassier more willing to plunge into the thick of the fighting and the enemy feeling more intimidated.