escutcheon Hear it!

escutcheon definition

es·cutch·eon (e skuc̸h′ən, i-)

noun

  1. a shield or shield-shaped surface on which a coat of arms is displayed
  2. something shaped like an escutcheon; specif.,
    1. a protective, often ornamental shield or plate, as that around a keyhole
    2. the space on a ship's stern bearing the name

Etymology: NormFr escuchon < VL *scutio < L scutum, shield < ? IE base *skeu-, to cover > sky

escutcheon Idioms

a blot on one's escutcheon

a stain on one's honor; disgrace to one's reputation

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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ESCUTCHEON21 year ago

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