Shield — Defs

01 n. A broad piece of defensive armor, carried on the arm, -- formerly in general use in war, for the protection of the body. See Buckler.

1.
A broad piece of defensive armor, carried on the arm, -- formerly in general use in war, for the protection of the body. See Buckler. See: Buckler
“Now put your shields before your hearts and fight, With hearts more proof than shields.” — Shak.
2.
Anything which protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection.
3.
Figuratively, one who protects or defends.
“Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” — Gen. xv. 1.
4.
In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and containing the fructification, or asci.(Bot.)
5.
The escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in coats of arms. Cf. Lozenge. See Illust. of Escutcheon.(Her.) See: Lozenge, Escutcheon
6.
A framework used to protect workmen in making an adit under ground, and capable of being pushed along as excavation progresses.(Mining & Tunneling)
7.
A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield.
8.
A coin, the old French crown, or écu, having on one side the figure of a shield.[Obs.]

Phrases & compounds

Shield fern — any fern of the genus Aspidium, in which the fructifications are covered with shield-shaped indusia; -- called also wood fern. See Illust. of Indusium.

02 v. t. To cover with, or as with, a shield; to cover from danger; to defend; to protect from assault or injury.

imp. & p. p. Shielded; p. pr. & vb. n. Shielding

1.
To cover with, or as with, a shield; to cover from danger; to defend; to protect from assault or injury.
“Shouts of applause ran ringing through the field, To see the son the vanquished father shield.” — Dryden.

“A woman's shape doth shield thee.” — Shak.
2.
To ward off; to keep off or out.
“They brought with them their usual weeds, fit to shield the cold to which they had been inured.” — Spenser.
3.
To avert, as a misfortune; hence, as a supplicatory exclamation, forbid![Obs.]
“God shield that it should so befall.” — Chaucer.

“God shield I should disturb devotion!” — Shak.