escutcheon

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a shield-shaped surface on which a coat of arms is displayed, or the arms themselves

   A silver lion occupied the center of the family's escutcheon.

2. 2
   noun

   a protective or decorative plate around a keyhole, handle, or other fitting

   The locksmith replaced the brass escutcheon around the keyhole.

3. 3
   noun

   a plate on a ship's stern bearing its name

   The vessel's name was freshly painted on the stern escutcheon.

From Middle English scochon, via Anglo-Norman and Old French escusson from Latin scutum ("shield"). The heraldic shield sense was extended to shield-shaped or protective plates on buildings and ships.

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