Main Entry: ¹shield

Pronunciation: \ˈshēld\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English sheld, from Old English scield; akin to Old High German scilt shield and probably to Old English sciell shell

Date: before 12th century

1 : a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm
2 : one that protects or defends : defense
3 : dress shield
4 a : a device or part that serves as a protective cover or barrier b : a protective structure (as a carapace, scale, or plate) of some animals
5 : escutcheon; especially : one that is wide at the top and rounds to a point at the bottom
6 : the Precambrian nuclear mass of a continent that is surrounded and sometimes covered by sedimentary rocks
7 : something resembling a shield: as a : apothecium b : a police officer's badge c : a decorative or identifying emblem