testudo

noun

tes·​tu·​do te-ˈstü-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce testudo (audio)
-ˈtyü-
plural testudos
: a cover of overlapping shields or a shed wheeled up to a wall used by the ancient Romans to protect an attacking force

Word History

Etymology

Latin testudin-, testudo, literally, tortoise, tortoise shell; akin to Latin testa shell

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of testudo was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near testudo

Cite this Entry

“Testudo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testudo. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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