Shield

(she ld.) (Mil.) A broad piece of defensive armor, formerly borne on the left arm, as ade fence against arrows, darts, lances, and other weapons. The S. of the ancients were of different shapes and sizes, and generally made of leather, or wood covered with leather. The surface, or, as it is called in Heraldry, the field, of the S., or escutcheon, appears to have been in all ages decorated 生 with figures emblematic al or historical, serving to expre the sentiments, record the honors, or at least distinguish the person of the warrior. [s. 322] IMG:p0867_0.jpg:Gravür