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.
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.
3. (Naut.) That part of a vessel's stern on which her name is
written. --R. H. Dane, Jr.
4. (Carp.) A thin metal plate or shield to protect wood, or
for ornament, as the shield around a keyhole.
5. (Zo["o]l.) The depression behind the beak of certain
bivalves; the ligamental area.
{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}.