Shield

shēld, n. a broad plate worn for defence on the left arm: anything that protects: defence: a person who protects: the shield-shaped escutcheon used for displaying arms.— v.t. to defend: ( Shak. ) to forfend, avert.— v.i. to be a shelter.— ns. Shiel′der ; Shield′-fern , a fern, so called from its shape.— adj. Shield′le , defencele .— adv. Shield′le ly .— n. Shield′le ne .— adj. Shield′-shaped , scutate. [A.S. scyld ; Ger. schild , Ice. skiöldr , protection.]