shield

shield is a Noun

Definition:

[1] A broad piece of defensive armor, carried on the arm, -- formerly in general use in war, for the protection of the body. See Buckler. Now put your shields before your hearts and fight, With hearts more proof than shields. Shak.

[2] Anything which protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection. "My council is my shield." Shak.

[3] Figuratively, one who protects or defends. Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen. xv. 1.

[4] In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and containing the fructification, or asci.

[5] The escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in coats of arms. Cf. Lozenge. See Illust. of Escutcheon.

[6] A framework used to protect workmen in making an adit under ground, and capable of being pushed along as excavation progresses.

[7] A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield. "Bespotted as with shields of red and black." Spenser.

[8] A coin, the old French crown, or écu, having on one side the figure of a shield. [Obs.] Chaucer. Shield fern (Bot.), any fern of the genus Aspidium, in which the fructifications are covered with shield-shaped indusia; -- called also wood fern. See Illust. of Indusium.