pavis

American  

[pav-is] / ˈpæv ɪs /

Or pavise

noun

1. a large oblong shield of the late 14th through the early 16th centuries, often covering the entire body and used especially by archers and soldiers of the infantry.

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pavis British  

/ ˈpævɪs /

noun

1. a large square shield, developed in the 15th century, at first portable but later heavy and set up in a permanent position

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Etymology

Origin of pavis

1350–1400; Middle English paveys < Middle French pavais < Old Italian pavese literally, of Pavia; -ese

Example Sentences

The leaders also had pavises, or large shields, which covered the person from head to foot.

From Project Gutenberg

"That we shall prove," said Goodwin Hawtayne; "but it would be well, ere they close with us, to raise up the mantlets and pavises as a screen against their bolts."

From Project Gutenberg

He shot them as they dug behind pavises.

From Project Gutenberg