What is "chain mail"?

Chain mail is a type of armor consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh. It was widely used during medieval times as a protective garment for knights and soldiers in battle. Chain mail offered effective protection against cuts, thrusts and slashes, and was often worn over a padded jacket or gambeson. It was commonly made from iron or steel, but sometimes also from other materials such as bronze, brass or copper. Despite its weight and bulkiness, chain mail was popular due to its ability to deflect or absorb blows from swords, axes, and other weapons. It remained in use until the introduction of more advanced types of armor such as plate mail in the late medieval period.