Shield (heraldry)
In heraldry, the shield is the principal portion of a heraldic achievement or coat of arms. Figures and patterns are depicted emblazoned upon the shield in many different arrangements.
The shields of male armigers are commonly displayed on a shape known as an escutcheon, based on the shape of Medieval shields used by knights in combat. Since this shape has been regarded as a war-like device appropriate to men only, ladies customarily bear their arms upon a lozenge, or diamond-shape, and clergymen bear theirs on a cartouche, or oval.
