Es*cutch"eon (?), n. [OF.
escusson, F. écusson, from OF. escu
shield, F. écu. 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.
&fist; 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. (Zoöl.) 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.
