pavis

pav·is also pav·isse  (pvs)

n.

A medieval shield large enough to protect the whole body.

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[Middle English, from Old French pavais, from Old Italian pavese, from Pavia.]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

pavis - (Middle Ages) a large heavy oblong shield protecting the whole body; originally carried but sometimes set up in permanent position pavise buckler, shield - armor carried on the arm to intercept blows Dark Ages, Middle Ages - the period of history between classical antiquity and the Italian Renaissance