A flat protective panel that covers the dashboard area of a vehicle, or the decorative panel covering the instrument cluster.
Compound of 'dash' (the dashboard) and 'plate' (a flat piece of material). This automotive term emerged in the early 20th century as vehicles became more standardized.
The dashboard got its name from a 'dash' of mud that would splash on early carriages—so a dashplate literally protects you from that original muddy mess!
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