umbo

Definition

The boss of a shield, at or near the middle and usually projecting, sometimes in a sharp spike.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin umbō (“a shield boss”). Doublet of umbone.

Example Sentences

• "It is thirteen inches diameter, made of wood covered with leather, and an iron plate decorated with nails and mouldings; the boss or umbo projects four inches."
• "serves as the umbo of the region’s so-called Silicon Shield"

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