Scutum etymology

Etymology

The word "scutum" originates from the Latin word "scutum," meaning "shield."

Meaning

Scutum refers to the protective covering or shield used to deflect or block attacks or projectiles. It commonly denotes a large, rectangular or oval-shaped shield carried by ancient Greek and Roman soldiers.

Origin

The concept of a scutum as a protective device dates back to ancient times:

• Greece: The scutum was adopted by the Greek hoplites (heavily armed infantrymen) around the 8th century BC. It was a rectangular shield made of wood, covered with leather, and reinforced with metal plates or studs.
• Rome: The Romans later adopted the scutum from the Greeks, modifying it to create their own distinctive shield. The Roman scutum was oval-shaped, with wooden slats covered with leather or metal plates. It provided ample protection for infantrymen in close-quarters combat.
• Medieval Period: In the medieval period, the scutum evolved into various forms of shields, including the buckler (a small, round shield), the pavise (a large, rectangular shield), and the heater shield (a triangular-shaped shield).

Over time, the term "scutum" has been used to describe shields and protective coverings in various contexts, including military, law enforcement, and even scientific terminology.

Scutum relate terms

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• diaphragm

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• conceit

  Etymology The word conceit derives from the Latin word conceptus meaning conception