Definition of: shield

(shēld) noun
1. A broad piece of defensive armor, commonly carried on the left arm; a large buckler.
2. Something that protects or defends; a defender; shelter.
3. Any device for covering or protecting something.
4. Mil. A screen of steel attached to a gun to protect the men who are serving it.
5. Mining A framework or screen of wood or iron protecting the workers: pushed forward as the work advances.
6. Her. The escutcheon upon which emblems of heraldry are depicted.
7. Zool. A platelike protective part, as the carapace of a crustacean.
8. A policeman's badge. See synonyms under DEFENSE, SHELTER.
—v.t.
1. To protect from danger as with a shield; defend; guard.
2. Archaic To avert; forbid.
—v.i.
3. To act as a shield or safeguard. See synonyms under SHELTER. [OE sceld]
—shield′er noun
—shield′–bear′er (-bâr′ər) noun
—shield′–shaped′ (-shāpt′) adjective
SHIELDS
a. Anglo–Saxon.
b. Greek.