pavais

Noun

pavis (plural pavises or pavisses)

1. Most usually, a very large shield fitted with a stand, like a small moveable wall, carried in front to protect all or most of the bearer's body that could be positioned independently of the user, such as a crossbowman, often with a projecting ridge running vertically down the center. However, smaller, more standard shield types were also termed as such, with the central verticle ridge as a defining feature.
   • For in this proceſſe, Parrot nothĩg hath ſurmyſed
     No matter pretendyd, nor nothyng enterpryſed
     But that metaphora, alegoria with all
     Shall be his protectyon, his pauys and his wallc. 1521, John Skelton, Speke Parott