escutcheon

noun es·cutch·eon \ i-ˈskə-chən \

Definition of escutcheon

1 : a defined area on which armorial bearings are displayed and which usually consists of a shield

2 : a protective or ornamental plate or flange (as around a keyhole)

3 : the part of a ship's stern on which the name is displayed

See escutcheon defined for kids

Recent Examples of escutcheon from the Web

Potato knob #K203 (on escutcheon #E414) in white bronze, medium patina, by Rocky Mountain Hardware.

— elle decor staff, ELLE Decor, "Resource Guide Feb. 2004," 5 July 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'escutcheon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of escutcheon

Origin and Etymology of escutcheon

Middle English escochon, from Anglo-French escuchoun, from Vulgar Latin *scution-, scutio, from Latin scutum shield — more at esquire

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Heraldry Terms

blazon, cachet, couchant, dormant, potent, standard, totem

Medical Dictionary

escutcheon

noun es·cutch·eon \ is-ˈkəch-ən \

medical Definition of escutcheon

: the configuration of adult pubic hair

Learn More about escutcheon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about escutcheon

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