Pavise (Noun)
Meaning
(Middle Ages) a large heavy oblong shield protecting the whole body; originally carried but sometimes set up in permanent position.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The medieval soldier crouched safely behind his pavise as arrows whizzed past his head.
- During the siege, the defenders set up a row of pavises along the city walls to protect themselves from enemy fire.
- The pavise was so heavy that it took two men to carry it into battle.
- As the enemy army approached, the archers took cover behind their pavises and prepared to fire.
- The pavise was an essential piece of equipment for any medieval crossbowman, providing protection from return fire.