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testudo

Syllabification: (tes·tu·do)
Pronunciation: /teˈst(y)o͞odō/

Definition of testudo

noun (plural testudos or testudines /-dnˌēz/)

  • (in ancient Rome) a screen on wheels and with an arched roof, used to protect besieging troops.
  • a protective screen formed by a body of troops holding their shields above their heads in such a way that the shields overlap.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin, literally 'tortoise', from testa 'tile, shell'

testudo in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of testudo in the British & World English dictionary