or SCUTCHEON, in heraldry, is derived from the French escuflon, and that from the Latin scutum, and signifies the shield whereon coats of arms are represented.

Most nations of the remotest antiquity were wont to have their shields distinguished by certain marks painted on them; and to have such on their shields was a token of honour, none being permitted to have them till they had performed some honourable action.

The escutcheon, as used at present, is square, only rounded off at the bottom.