scutum
[ˈskuː.tũː]neuter
The English word "shield" translates to Latin using scutum. Wiktionary also lists clipeus and parma.
Meaning: armor (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| scutum | [ˈskuː.tũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈskuː.tum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| clipeus | [ˈklɪ.pe.ʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkliː.pe.us] (narrow) |
masculine |
| parma | [ˈpar.ma] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpar.ma] (narrow) |
feminine |
Which one should you use?
While all three terms mean shield, they refer to different types of equipment. scutum typically refers to the large, rectangular, semi-cylindrical shield used by Roman legionaries. In contrast, clipeus refers to a round shield and parma refers to a smaller, often circular shield used by cavalry or auxiliary troops.
How does it change in a sentence?
Each form has a different gender and pluralization. scutum is a neuter noun. Its plural is scuta. clipeus is a masculine noun. Its accusative plural is clipeos. parma is a feminine noun. Its plural is parmae.
Did you know?
- The root of scutum may come from a word meaning 'to cut' or 'split', referring to how the wood for the shield was sliced into strips for ply-construction.
- The clipeus was often used as a symbol of honor, with the Roman senate granting a 'golden shield' to distinguished generals as a reward.
- Roman legionaries used their scuta to form the 'testudo' or 'tortoise' formation, locking shields overhead and in front to create a portable armored tunnel.
Examples in context
- Nec tamen in cunis, sed in scuto magno cubabant. Serpentes jam appropinquaverant et scutum movebant, itaque pueri e somno excitati sunt.However, they were not in a cradle but in a large shield. The snakes approached and started moving the shield, which made the boys wake up.This sentence is useful for seeing the word scutum used in the context of a large shield.Tatoeba #10998341 by carlosalberto, translation #10998371 by carlosalberto
- "Vix positum castris simulacrum, arsere coruscæ / luminibus flammæ arrectis, salsusque per artus / sudor iit, terque ipsa solo (mirabile dictu) / emicuit, parmamque ferens hastamque trementem."Scarce stood her image in the camp, when bright / with flickering flames her staring eyeballs glared. / Salt sweat ran down her, thrice, a wondrous sight! / with shield and quivering spear she sprang upright.This sentence shows the use of parma as a shield carried by a person springing upright.Tatoeba #6695272 by carlosalberto, translation #6814538 by carlosalberto
- Scutum militis erat maximum telum defensivum.The soldier's shield was the most significant defensive weapon.
- Princeps scutum suum magno cum honore gerebat.The prince carried his shield with great honor.
- Scutum Romanorum erat valde robustum.The Roman shield was highly robust.
- Clypeus est instrumentum defensionis.A shield is a defensive tool.
- Nuper, clupeus misellus mihi defuit!Recently, my poor little shield was missing!
- Miles scutum magnum et grave portat.The soldier carries a large and heavy shield.
Example conversation
Two people are preparing for a training exercise.
- QuintusUbi est meum scutum?Where is my shield?
- LuciaScutum tuum iuxta portam est, Quinte.Your shield is next to the gate, Quintus.
- QuintusGratias tibi, Lucia.Thank you, Lucia.
- LuciaNunc cito ad campum veni.Now come quickly to the field.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shield” translations and entries scutum, clipeus, parma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clipeus, parma, scutum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
