ˈsk(y)üt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin scutum shield; translation of Middle French ecu ecu, shield — more at esquire
1. archaic : a coin of small value
2.
[New Latin scutum ]
: an external bony or horny plate : a large scale : scutum: as
a. : one of the large scales on the head of a snake or other reptile
b. : one of the broad transverse scales on the belly of a snake
c. : one of the tergal plates of a myriapod
d. : elytron 2