pavis

Or pav·ise

[pav-is]

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.

pavis

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pavis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pavis¹

C14: from Old French pavais, from Italian pavese of Pavia, Italian city where these shields were originally made

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