Words at Play : Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 2
Definition:
a protective or ornamental plate around a keyhole
Example Sentence:
The supervising housekeeper reminded new employees to polish the escutcheons each week.
About the Word:
This word comes from the Latin scutum, meaning "shield." The original escutcheon was a shield (or something that resembled a shield) that bore a coat of arms; escutcheon also refers to the part of a ship's stern where the name is displayed.
More Words at Play
