battle rattle n. (protective) military gear worn in combat situations. Editorial Note: An identical term dating to at least 1945 and meaning “nervousness in the face of combat” or “combat fatigue” is apparently separately derived. “Battle rattle” also appears in news, prose, and poetry as a literal term. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
What’s it like to hike the Pacific Crest Trail all the way from Mexico to Canada? You’ll end up with sore muscles and blisters, and great stories to tell. Along the way, you’ll also pick up some slang, like NoBo, SoBo, Yo-yo and...
The slang phrase someone ate and left no crumbs means the person did something really well. In a previous call, a listener who works in theater noted the use of ate to mean “did something well,” as in they really ate that haircut! This...
Actually, a battle rattle was a device with a handle and a box which when spun would make a noise that could be heard above the sounds of battle. Used during the Civil War to inform sailors to board the opposing ship or all hands on deck to fight depending on the captain’s orders. Also used in conjunction with a gong as another signal. Clearly a sound that could be heard over the sound of battle. Device is on display in the Civil War Navy Museum, Columbus, GA.