from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Scutellum \Scu*tel"lum\, n.; pl. {Scutella}. [NL., neut. dim. of
L. scutum a shield.]
1. (Bot.) A rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed
of the proper thallus, the fructification of certain
lichens.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.)
(a) The third of the four pieces forming the upper part of
a thoracic segment of an insect. It follows the
scutum, and is followed by the small postscutellum; a
scutella. See {Thorax}.
(b) One of the transverse scales on the tarsi and toes of
birds; a scutella.
[1913 Webster]