Definitions for: Testudo


[n] type genus of the Testudinidae
[n] a movable protective covering that provided protection from above; used by Roman troops when approaching the walls of a besieged fortification



Webster (1913) Definition: Tes*tu"do, n.; pl. Testudines. [L., from testa the
shell of shellfish, or of testaceous animals.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) A genus of tortoises which formerly included a
large number of diverse forms, but is now restricted to
certain terrestrial species, such as the European land
tortoise (Testudo Gr[ae]ca) and the gopher of the
Southern United States.

2. (Rom. Antiq.) A cover or screen which a body of troops
formed with their shields or targets, by holding them over
their heads when standing close to each other. This cover
resembled the back of a tortoise, and served to shelter
the men from darts, stones, and other missiles. A similar
defense was sometimes formed of boards, and moved on
wheels.

3. (Mus.) A kind of musical instrument. a species of lyre; --
so called in allusion to the lyre of Mercury, fabled to
have been made of the shell of a tortoise.

Synonyms: genus Testudo

See Also: European tortoise, family Testudinidae, giant tortoise, protection, protective cover, protective covering, reptile genus, Testudinidae, Testudo graeca

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