SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

pavis

noun
Save Word
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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about pavis

Statistics for pavis

Cite this Entry

“Pavis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pavis. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on pavis

What made you want to look up pavis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

abhor

Listen to the pronunciation of abhor

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Who Knew?

  • who knew quiz
  • What is a ruelle?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games