escutcheon: Meaning and Definition of

es•cutch•eon

Pronunciation: (i-skuch'un), [key]
— n.
  1. a shield or shieldlike surface on which a coat of arms is depicted. See illus. under
  2. an ornamental or protective plate around a keyhole, door handle, drawer pull, light switch, etc.
  3. a panel on the stern of a vessel bearing its name and port of registry.
  4. a stain on one's reputation; disgrace.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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