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pavis

noun
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pav·​is
variants: or pavise or less commonly pavais \ ˈpavə̇s \
plural pavises

Definition of pavis

: a large shield covering the whole body used especially in siege operations to protect crossbowmen and sometimes carried by a pavisor before a knight or archer

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History and Etymology for pavis

Middle English pavis, pavise, from Middle French pavais, from Old Italian pavese, probably from pavese of Pavia, city in northeast Italy where pavises were made, from Pavia + -ese

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Dictionary Entries Near pavis

Paviotso

pavis

pavisade

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Cite this Entry

“Pavis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pavis. Accessed 2 Jul. 2022.

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