scutcheon

Etymology

Aphetic form of escutcheon.

noun

1. An escutcheon; an emblazoned shield.
   There be now, for martial encouragement, some degrees and orders of chivalry; which nevertheless are conferred promiscuously, upon soldiers and no soldiers; and some remembrance perhaps, upon the scutcheon; and some hospitals for maimed soldiers; and such like things. 1627, Francis Bacon, Essays of Francis Bacon or Counsels, Civil and Moral, Chapter 29. "Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates"
   The Attorney-General, however, had used this episode, which Martin in retrospect had felt to be a blot on the scutcheon, merely to emphasise the intelligence and resource of the prisoner. 1935, Francis Beeding, “10/6”, in The Norwich Victims
2. An escutcheon; a small plate of metal, such as the shield around a keyhole.