2.Anything which protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection. "My council is my shield."
3.Figuratively, one who protects or defends. "Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."
4.(Bot.) In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and containing the fructification, or asci.
6.(Mining & Tunneling) A framework used to protect workmen in making an adit under ground, and capable of being pushed along as excavation progresses.
7.A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield. "Bespotted as with shields of red and black."
8.A coin, the old French crown, or écu, having on one side the figure of a shield. (Obs.)
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