escutcheon

n. shield on which a coat of arms is pictured

Escutcheon is often the term used in heraldry for the shield displayed in a coat of arms. An inescutcheon is a smaller escutcheon borne within a larger escutcheon. The term crest is often used incorrectly to designate this part of the coat of arms.The term "escutcheon" also refers to the shield-like shape on which arms are often borne. The escutcheon shape is based on the Medieval shields that were used by knights in combat. Since this shape has been regarded as a war-like device appropriate to men only, ladies customarily bear their arms upon a lozenge, or diamond-shape, while clergymen bear theirs on a cartouche, or oval. Other shapes are possible, such as the roundel commonly used for arms granted to Aboriginal Canadians by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
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Noun
1. a flat protective covering (on a door or wall etc) to prevent soiling by dirty fingers
(synonym) finger plate, scutcheon
(hypernym) protective covering, protective cover, protection
2. (nautical) a plate on a ship's stern on which the name is inscribed
(hypernym) plate
(part-holonym) stern, after part, quarter, poop, tail
(classification) seafaring, navigation, sailing
3. a shield; especially one displaying a coat of arms
(synonym) scutcheon
(hypernym) shield, buckler

(n.)
The surface, usually a shield, upon which bearings are marshaled and displayed. The surface of the escutcheon is called the field, the upper part is called the chief, and the lower part the base (see Chiff, and Field.). That side of the escutcheon which is on the right hand of the knight who bears the shield on his arm is called dexter, and the other side sinister.
  

(n.)
The depression behind the beak of certain bivalves; the ligamental area.
  

(n.)
That part of a vessel's stern on which her name is written.
  

(n.)
A thin metal plate or shield to protect wood, or for ornament, as the shield around a keyhole.
  

(n.)
A marking upon the back of a cow's udder and the space above it (the perineum), formed by the hair growing upward or outward instead of downward. It is esteemed an index of milking qualities.
  

The shield upon which a device is commonly displayed, the common ‘heater ’ shape.