escutcheon of pretense

Escutcheon \Es*cutch"eon\, n. [OF. escusson, F. ['e]cusson, from
   OF. escu shield, F. ['e]cu. See {Esquire}, {Scutcheon}.]
   1. (Her.) The surface, usually a shield, upon which bearings
      are marshaled and displayed. The surface of the escutcheon
      is called the field, the upper part is called the chief,
      and the lower part the base (see {Chiff}, and {Field}.).
      That side of the escutcheon which is on the right hand of
      the knight who bears the shield on his arm is called
      dexter, and the other side sinister.
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   Note: The two sides of an escutcheon are respectively
         designated as dexter and sinister, as in the cut, and
         the different parts or points by the following names:
         A, Dexter chief point; B, Middle chief point; C,
         Sinister chief point; D, Honor or color point; E, Fesse
         or heart point; F, Nombrill or navel point; G, Dexter
         base point; H, Middle base point; I, base point.
         [1913 Webster]

   2. A marking upon the back of a cow's udder and the space
      above it (the perineum), formed by the hair growing upward
      or outward instead of downward. It is esteemed an index of
      milking qualities. --C. L. Flint.
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   3. (Naut.) That part of a vessel's stern on which her name is
      written. --R. H. Dane, Jr.
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   4. (Carp.) A thin metal plate or shield to protect wood, or
      for ornament, as the shield around a keyhole.
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   5. (Zo["o]l.) The depression behind the beak of certain
      bivalves; the ligamental area.
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   {Escutcheon of pretense}, an escutcheon used in English
      heraldry to display the arms of the bearer's wife; -- not
      commonly used unless she an heiress. Cf. {Impalement}.
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