Definition of shield

• n. - A broad piece of defensive armor, carried on the arm, -- formerly in general use in war, for the protection of the body. See Buckler.
• n. - Anything which protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection.
• n. - Figuratively, one who protects or defends.
• n. - In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and containing the fructification, or asci.
• n. - The escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in coats of arms. Cf. Lozenge. See Illust. of Escutcheon.
• n. - A framework used to protect workmen in making an adit under ground, and capable of being pushed along as excavation progresses.
• n. - A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield.
• n. - A coin, the old French crown, or ecu, having on one side the figure of a shield.
• n. - To cover with, or as with, a shield; to cover from danger; to defend; to protect from assault or injury.
• n. - To ward off; to keep off or out.
• n. - To avert, as a misfortune; hence, as a supplicatory exclamation, forbid!