The scutum is a shield that was used by Roman soldiers. It was made out of a strong piece of wood that was covered in metal.
The scutum protected the soldier from being hit in the head.
The scutum was also used to shield the soldier from arrows and other projectiles.
noun
An oblong shield made of boards or wickerwork covered with leather, with sometimes an iron rim; carried chiefly by the heavy-armed infantry of the Roman army.
noun
A scute.
noun
A shield-like protection, such as the scutum protecting the back of a hard tick (cf. alloscutum, conscutum)
noun
One of the two lower valves of the operculum of a barnacle.
noun
The kneecap.