Cavalry vs. Cuirassier

Historically, cavalry (from the French word cavalerie, itself derived from "cheval" meaning "horse") are soldiers or warriors who fight mounted on horseback. Cavalry were the most mobile of the combat arms, operating as light cavalry in the roles of reconnaissance, screening, and skirmishing in many armies, or as heavy cavalry for decisive shock attacks in other armies.

Cuirassiers (; from French cuirassier [kɥiʁasje]) were cavalry equipped with a cuirass, sword, and pistols. Cuirassiers first appeared in mid-to-late 16th century Europe as a result of armoured cavalry, such as men-at-arms and demi-lancers, discarding their lances and adopting the use of pistols as their primary weapon.

(in the past) soldiers who fought on horseback

A horse soldier in European armies, especially of the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s, whose equipment included the cuirass.

Troops trained to fight on horseback.

A cavalry soldier equipped with a cuirass (armor).

A highly mobile army unit using vehicular transport, such as light armor and helicopters.

A soldier armed with a cuirass; especially, a soldier of the heaviest cavalry, wearing a cuirass only when in full dress.

The military arm of service that fights while riding horses.

a cavalryman equipped with a cuirass

An individual unit of the cavalry arm of service.

The branch of the military transported by fast light vehicles, also known as mechanized cavalry.

(figurative) Source of rescue, especially in an emergency.

That part of military force which serves on horseback.

troops trained to fight on horseback;

a highly mobile army unit