I. ˈshēld noun
Etymology: Middle English sheld, from Old English scield; akin to Old High German scilt shield and probably to Old English sciell shell
Date: before 12th century
1. : a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm
2. : one that protects or defends : defense
3. : dress shield
4.
a. : a device or part that serves as a protective cover or barrier
b. : a protective structure (as a carapace, scale, or plate) of some animals
5. : escutcheon ; especially : one that is wide at the top and rounds to a point at the bottom
6. : the Precambrian nuclear mass of a continent that is surrounded and sometimes covered by sedimentary rocks
7. : something resembling a shield: as
a. : apothecium
b. : a police officer's badge
c. : a decorative or identifying emblem
II. transitive verb
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : to protect with or as if with a shield : provide with a protective cover or shelter
b. : to cut off from observation : hide
2. obsolete : forbid
Synonyms: see defend
• shield·er noun