scutum

noun pl. scuta

1. the long, wooden shield carried by infantrymen in the Roman legions
2. a small S constellation between Aquila and Sagittarius
3. Zool. a heavy, horny scale, as on certain reptiles and insects; scute

Origin: L, prob. < IE base *(s)keut-, to cover, skin < hide, L cutis, skin, Gr skutos, hide, leather