escutcheon
    n 1: a flat protective covering (on a door or wall etc) to
         prevent soiling by dirty fingers [syn: finger plate,
         escutcheon, scutcheon]
    2: (nautical) a plate on a ship's stern on which the name is
       inscribed
    3: a shield; especially one displaying a coat of arms [syn:
       escutcheon, scutcheon]

Escutcheon \Es*cutch"eon\, n. [OF. escusson, F. ['e]cusson, from
   OF. escu shield, F. ['e]cu. See Esquire, Scutcheon.]
   1. (Her.) The surface, usually a shield, upon which bearings
      are marshaled and displayed. The surface of the escutcheon
      is called the field, the upper part is called the chief,
      and the lower part the base (see Chiff, and Field.).
      That side of the escutcheon which is on the right hand of
      the knight who bears the shield on his arm is called
      dexter, and the other side sinister.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: The two sides of an escutcheon are respectively
         designated as dexter and sinister, as in the cut, and
         the different parts or points by the following names:
         A, Dexter chief point; B, Middle chief point; C,
         Sinister chief point; D, Honor or color point; E, Fesse
         or heart point; F, Nombrill or navel point; G, Dexter
         base point; H, Middle base point; I, base point.
         [1913 Webster]

   2. A marking upon the back of a cow's udder and the space
      above it (the perineum), formed by the hair growing upward
      or outward instead of downward. It is esteemed an index of
      milking qualities. --C. L. Flint.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Naut.) That part of a vessel's stern on which her name is
      written. --R. H. Dane, Jr.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. (Carp.) A thin metal plate or shield to protect wood, or
      for ornament, as the shield around a keyhole.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. (Zo["o]l.) The depression behind the beak of certain
      bivalves; the ligamental area.
      [1913 Webster]

   Escutcheon of pretense, an escutcheon used in English
      heraldry to display the arms of the bearer's wife; -- not
      commonly used unless she an heiress. Cf. Impalement.
      [1913 Webster]