es⋅cutch⋅eon
[i-skuhch-uh
n] 
| 1. | a shield or shieldlike surface on which a coat of arms is depicted. |
| 2. | an ornamental or protective plate around a keyhole, door handle, drawer pull, light switch, etc. |
| 3. | Nautical. a panel on the stern of a vessel bearing its name and port of registry. |
| 4. | blot on one's escutcheon, a stain on one's reputation; disgrace. |
1470–80; < ONF escuchon ≪ L scūtum shield
Related forms:
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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es·cutch·eon (ĭ-skŭch'ən)  (click for larger image in new window) n.
[Middle English escochon, from Anglo-Norman escuchon, from Vulgar Latin *scūtiō, scūtiōn-, from Latin scūtum, shield; see skei- in Indo-European roots.] es·cutch'eoned adj. |
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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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. 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. 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. 3. (Naut.) That part of a vessel's stern on which her name is written. --R. H. Dane, Jr. 4. (Carp.) A thin metal plate or shield to protect wood, or for ornament, as the shield around a keyhole. 5. (Zo["o]l.) The depression behind the beak of certain bivalves; the ligamental area. 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.Cite This Source
escutcheon
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Main Entry: es·cutch·eon
Pronunciation: is-'k&ch-&n
Function: noun
: the configuration of adult pubic hair
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escutcheon
in furniture design, an armorial shield sometimes applied to the centre of pediments on pieces of fine furniture and, also, the metal plate that surrounds a keyhole or the pivoting metal plate that sometimes covers the keyhole. The keyhole escutcheon has been used on cabinets and desks since the European Middle Ages, the designs matching the other metal mounts, such as hinges, and varying according to the fashions of the day. Early escutcheons were of wrought iron and might be quite plain, simply serving to prevent wear. From the 17th century, brass, which could be worked in finer designs, was used on fine furniture. For the most lavish designs, ormolu (gilded bronze or cast brass decoration) was used, especially in 18th-century France.
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