GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Shield , n. [OE. sheld, scheld, AS. scield, scild, sceld, scyld; akin to OS. scild, OFries. skeld, D. & G. schild, OHG. scilt, Icel. skjöldr, Sw. sköld, Dan. skiold, Goth. skildus; of uncertain origin. Cf. Sheldrake.]
   A broad piece of defensive armor, carried on the arm, -- formerly in general use in war, for the protection of the body. See Buckler.
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   Now put your shields before your hearts and fight,
   With hearts more proof than shields.
   Shak.
   
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   Anything which protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection. “My council is my shield.” 
   Shak.
   
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   Figuratively, one who protects or defends.
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   Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
   Gen. xv. 1.
   
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   (Bot.) In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and containing the fructification, or asci.
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   (Her.) The escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in coats of arms. Cf. Lozenge.
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   (Mining & Tunneling) A framework used to protect workmen in making an adit under ground, and capable of being pushed along as excavation progresses.
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   A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield. “Bespotted as with shields of red and black.” 
   Spenser.
   
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   A coin, the old French crown, or écu, having on one side the figure of a shield. [Obs.]
   Chaucer.
   
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   Shield fern (Bot.), any fern of the genus Aspidium, in which the fructifications are covered with shield-shaped indusia; -- called also wood fern.
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