pavis

or pav·ise

[ pav-is ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a large oblong shield of the late 14th through the early 16th centuries, often covering the entire body and used especially by archers and soldiers of the infantry.

pavis

/ ˈpævɪs /

a large square shield, developed in the 15th century, at first portable but later heavy and set up in a permanent position

Origin of pavis¹

1350–1400; Middle English paveys < Middle French pavais < Old Italian pavese literally, of Pavia; -ese

Origin of pavis¹

C14: from Old French pavais, from Italian pavese of Pavia, Italian city where these shields were originally made

The Pavis or Pavoise (Fig. 37) was more generally used by archers and crossbowmen as a cover.

The archer using these heavy weapons was entrenched behind a Pavis or shield fixed in the ground as shown on Fig. 37.

"Coursing" was the next toast—for which Arthur Pavis, the jockey, returned thanks.

The most interesting example which we have met of the employment of the pavis and mantelet, is in a picture in the Harl.

The pavis was a tall shield, curved so as partly to envelop the person of the bearer, broad at the top and tapering to the feet.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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