Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Escutcheon?

\Es*cutch"eon\, n. [OF. escusson, F. ['e]cusson, from OF. escu shield, F. ['e]cu. See {Esquire}, {Scutcheon}.] 1. (Her.) The surface, usually a shield, upon which bearings are marshaled and displayed. The surface of the escutcheon is called the field, the upper part is called the chief, and the lower part the base (see {Chiff}, and {Field}.). That side of the escutcheon which is on the right hand of the knight who bears the shield on his arm is called dexter, and the other side sinister. Note: The two sides of an escutcheon are respectively designated as dexter and sinister, as in the cut, and the different parts or points by the following names: A, Dexter chief point; B, Middle chief point; C, Sinister chief point; D, Honor or color point; E, Fesse or heart point; F, Nombrill or navel point; G, Dexter base point; H, Middle base point; I, base point. 2. A marking upon the back of a cow's udder and the space above it (the perineum), formed by the hair growing upward or outward instead of downward. It is esteemed an index of milking qualities. --C. L. Flint. 3. (Naut.) That part of a vessel's stern on which her name is written. --R. H. Dane, Jr. 4. (Carp.) A thin metal plate or shield to protect wood, or for ornament, as the shield around a keyhole. 5. (Zo["o]l.) The depression behind the beak of certain bivalves; the ligamental area. {Escutcheon of pretense}, an escutcheon used in English heraldry to display the arms of the bearer's wife; -- not commonly used unless she an heiress. Cf. {Impalement}.