Definitions for: Escutcheon


[n] a shield; especially one displaying a coat of arms
[n] (nautical) a plate on a ship's stern on which the name is inscribed
[n] a flat protective covering (on a door or wall etc) to prevent soiling by dirty fingers



Webster (1913) Definition: Es*cutch"eon, n. [OF. escusson, F. ['e]cusson, from
OF. escu shield, F. ['e]cu. See Esquire, Scutcheon.]
1. (Her.) The surface, usually a shield, upon which bearings
are marshaled and displayed. The surface of the escutcheon
is called the field, the upper part is called the chief,
and the lower part the base (see Chiff, and Field.).
That side of the escutcheon which is on the right hand of
the knight who bears the shield on his arm is called
dexter, and the other side sinister.

Note: The two sides of an escutcheon are respectively
designated as dexter and sinister, as in the cut, and
the different parts or points by the following names:
A, Dexter chief point; B, Middle chief point; C,
Sinister chief point; D, Honor or color point; E, Fesse
or heart point; F, Nombrill or navel point; G, Dexter
base point; H, Middle base point; I, base point.

2. A marking upon the back of a cow's udder and the space
above it (the perineum), formed by the hair growing upward
or outward instead of downward. It is esteemed an index of
milking qualities. --C. L. Flint.

3. (Naut.) That part of a vessel's stern on which her name is
written. --R. H. Dane, Jr.

4. (Carp.) A thin metal plate or shield to protect wood, or
for ornament, as the shield around a keyhole.

5. (Zo["o]l.) The depression behind the beak of certain
bivalves; the ligamental area.

Escutcheon of pretense, an escutcheon used in English
heraldry to display the arms of the bearer's wife; -- not
commonly used unless she an heiress. Cf. Impalement.

Synonyms: finger plate, scutcheon

See Also: after part, buckler, plate, poop, protection, protective cover, protective covering, quarter, shield, stern, tail

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