scutum

noun

1. (historical, Roman antiquity) 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.

2. (zoology) A scute.

3. (zoology) In many contexts a shield-like protection, such as the scutum protecting the back of a hard tick

4. (zoology) One of the two lower valves of the operculum of a barnacle.

5. (obsolete) A penthouse or awning.