scutum

‖n.; pl. Scuta [ L. ] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) An oblong shield made of boards or wickerwork covered with leather, with sometimes an iron rim; -- carried chiefly by the heavy-armed infantry. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (O. Eng. Law) A penthouse or awning. [ Obs. ] Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Zool.) (a) The second and largest of the four parts forming the upper surface of a thoracic segment of an insect. It is preceded by the prescutum and followed by the scutellum. See the Illust. under Thorax. (b) One of the two lower valves of the operculum of a barnacle. [ 1913 Webster ]