\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.
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}.