war-mask

plural war-masks

1. A mask, visor, or the like, worn on the head into battle.

   “Now, my friend, don't you recognise your father's sword, his favourite weapon, the one he wore when he went out in his war-mask to face the Danes on that final day.”

   1999, Seamus Heaney, Beowulf, London: Faber and Faber, page 65

   1 more example

   He that heedeth the path of the spear in the battle Ran away from the fight, and he wept as he wended; Unto him as he ran there, that warder of war-mask, Nowise good was the hope of his getting him peace.

   1892, William Morris and Eiríkr Magnússon, The Saga Library: The story of the Ere-dwellers (Eyrbyggja Saga), London: Bernard Quaritch, page 41