pavis

plural pavises · plural pavisses · alternative pavise · alternative pavais · alternative pabys · alternative pavese · alternative pavesse

1. governmentMost 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 wall

   c. 1521, John Skelton, Speke Parott