A broad piece of defensive armor; a buckler; used in war for the protection of the body. The shields of the ancients were of different shapes and sizes, triangular, square, ovalmade of lether or wood covered with lether, and borne on the left arm. This species of armor was a good defence angainst arrows, darts, spearsbut would not protect against bullets.

Defense; shelter; protection; or the person that defends or protects; as a chief, the ornament and the shield of the nation. Fear not, Abram; I am they shield and thy exceedind great reward. Genesis 15:1.

In heraldry, the escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in coats of arms.