Iron-clad

Clad in iron; protected or covered with iron, as a vessel for naval warfare.

A vessel prepared for naval warfare by having the parts above water covered and protected by iron, usually in large plates, closely joined, and made sufficiently thick and strong to resist the heaviest shot effectually. In some vessels of this kind, the guns are carried in one or more circular turrets, made very strong, and turned by machinery, so that the shot can be discharged in any direction. The cut represents the Monitor, an American vessel, built after the plans of Captain J. Ericsson, and the first vessel ever constructed with a revolving turret for the guns.