buckler

[ buhk-ler ]

noun

1. a round shield held by a grip and sometimes having straps through which the arm is passed.
2. any means of defense; protection.

verb (used with object)

1. to be a shield to; support; defend.

buckler

/ ˈbʌklə /

noun

1. a small round shield worn on the forearm or held by a short handle
2. a means of protection; defence

verb

1. archaic.
   tr to defend

Word History and Origins

Origin of buckler¹

1250–1300; Middle English bokeler < Anglo-French, Middle French bocler, equivalent to bocle boss ² + -er -er ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of buckler¹

C13: from Old French bocler , from bocle shield boss; see buckle , boss ²

Example Sentences

On another wall hangs a “soldier’s prayer,” signed by Flynn, that reads in part: “Let Your truth be my shield and buckler/Against the fiery darts — the lies — of the enemy.”

From Seattle Times

On another wall hangs a “soldier’s prayer,” signed by Flynn, that reads in part: “Let Your truth be my shield and buckler/Against the fiery darts - the lies - of the enemy.”

From Washington Times

More cautious now, the warriors raised their bucklers.

From Literature

Aided by bucklers and their own agility, the Spanish got in between and underneath the Germans’ long pikes and were able to hurt them at their pleasure, without the Germans having any remedy.

From Literature

He trusted her to carry the awful aegis, his buckler, and his devastating weapon, the thunderbolt.

From Literature

Related Words

• armor
• buffer
• bulwark
• safeguard
• shelter