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escutcheon

Pronunciation: /ɪˈskʌtʃ(ə)n, ɛ-/

Definition of escutcheon

noun

  • 1a shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms.
  • 2 (also escutcheon plate) a flat piece of metal for protection and often ornamentation, around a keyhole, door handle, or light switch.

Phrases

a blot on one's escutcheon

a stain on one’s reputation or character.

escutcheon of pretence

a small shield within a coat of arms, bearing another coat or device to which the bearer has a claim, especially one to which a man’s wife is heiress.

Origin:

late 15th century: from Anglo-Norman French escuchon, based on Latin scutum 'shield'

escutcheon in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of escutcheon in the US English dictionary

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