buckler

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   historical: a small round shield held in the hand or worn on the arm for parrying blows

   The swordsman caught the blow on his buckler and counterattacked.

From Middle English bukler and Old French bocler ("shield, shield boss"), from Medieval Latin buccularius ("having a boss"), based on Latin buccula. A buckler was smaller than a full shield; swashbuckler originally evoked a fighter noisily striking a sword against one.

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