scutum

Definition

An oblong shield made of boards or wickerwork covered with leather, with sometimes an iron rim; carried chiefly by the heavily armed infantry of the Roman army.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin scūtum (“shield”). Doublet of escudo, scudo, scute, and écu.

Example Sentences

• "A tick's eye, if present, is a mere roundish lucent area at the margin of the scutum about opposite the second coxa."