(n.) A broad piece of defensive armor, carried on the arm, --
formerly in general use in war, for the protection of the body. See
Buckler.
(n.) Anything which protects or defends; defense; shelter;
protection.
(n.) Figuratively, one who protects or defends.
(n.) In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and
containing the fructification, or asci.
(n.) The escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in
coats of arms. Cf. Lozenge. See Illust. of Escutcheon.
(n.) A framework used to protect workmen in making an adit under
ground, and capable of being pushed along as excavation progresses.
(n.) A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield.
(n.) A coin, the old French crown, or ecu, having on one side
the figure of a shield.
(n.) To cover with, or as with, a shield; to cover from danger;
to defend; to protect from assault or injury.
(n.) To ward off; to keep off or out.
(n.) To avert, as a misfortune; hence, as a supplicatory
exclamation, forbid!
