Escutcheon

In heraldry, the shield is the principal portion of a heraldic achievement or coat of arms. Figures and patterns are depicted emblazoned upon the shield in many different arrangements.

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The shields of male armigers are commonly displayed on a shape known as an escutcheon, based on the shape of Medieval shields used by knights in combat. Since this shape has been regarded as a war-like device appropriate to men only, ladies customarily bear their arms upon a lozenge, or diamond-shape, and clergymen bear theirs on a cartouche, or oval.

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An escutcheon is also an item of door furniture.

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An escutcheon is also used in bathroom plumbing. It is the chrome plate behind a knob on a shower's temperature and water flow control.

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In Nazi army the military awards worn usually on sleeve near the shoulder are also called shields.

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Escutcheon, as a term, can be used to represent an entire family. A family member who does something shameful can be described as a "blot on the escutcheon."

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Heraldry: Heraldry is the science and art of describing coats-of-arms, also referred to as achievements or armorial bearings. Its origins lie in the need to distinguish participants in battles or jousts and to describe the various devices they carried or painted on their shields....

Coat of arms: The term coat of arms is a modern colloquial terminology referring to what is properly termed an heraldic achievement, achievement of arms or bearings in traditional European heraldry....

Armiger: An armiger is a person entitled to use a coat of arms. Such a person is said to be armigerous....

Escutcheon related Images and Photos (experimental)

Elegant Escutcheon I

Elegant Escutcheon IV