Definition
pavisse
noun
- a large shield, typically rectangular or kite-shaped, used in medieval warfare to protect the body and legs of a soldier or archer.
Usage: archaic; historical; also spelled 'pavise' or 'pavis'
Examples
- The medieval soldier carried a pavisse into battle to shield himself from arrows.
- Archers often stood behind a pavisse for protection while firing their bows.
- The pavisse was large enough to cover a man from chest to knee.
- Knights equipped their troops with pavisse shields for the siege.