Coat mail is a type of armor consisting of metal plates or rings sewn onto a fabric backing, worn over clothing. The term "coat mail" is often used interchangeably with other terms for armor, such as chainmail, maille, or simply mail. Chainmail refers specifically to armor made of interlocking metal rings, while maille is a broader term that can include armor made from other materials, such as leather or fabric, with metal plates or rings sewn on. Other synonyms for coat mail include hauberk, which is a long coat of chainmail, and byrnie, which refers to a similar type of armor worn over a tunic or shirt.