Defn: A sheeling. [Scot.] Burns.
SHIELD Shield, n. Etym: [OE. sheld, scheld, AS. scield, scild, sceld, scyld; akin to OS. scild, OFries. skeld, D. & G. schild, OHG. scilt, Icel. skjöldr, Sw. sköld, Dan. skiold, Goth. skildus; of uncertain origin. Cf. Sheldrake.]
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. 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. "My council is my shield." Shak.
3. Figuratively, one who protects or defends. Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen. xv. 1.
4. (Bot.)
Defn: In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and containing the fructification, or asci.
5. (Her.)
Defn: The escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in coats of arms. Cf. Lozenge. See Illust. of Escutcheon.
6. (Mining & Tunneling)