What was chainmail originally made for? Protecting against slicing or thrusting (arrows)?

Question

i bet my brother $10 that chainmail was made to stop slicing and hacking weapons, and he says it was made to stop arrows.

Answer 1

i watch a lot of history Channel, and i would have to say that all of the above is the answer~!

Answer 2

Check here.

Answer 3

Slicing & choping

Answer 4

Your answer is the correct one because bows were not universally used until much later after chain mail was developed.  

Answer 5

It was meant to absorb the impact of edged weapons such as swords by distributing their force and by physically turning their blade.