Buckler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🛡️
buckler
[ˈbʌklər ]
Definitions
shield protection combat
A small round shield held by a handle or worn on the forearm for protection in combat.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| buckler |
This term is used to refer to a small, round shield carried by a warrior, mostly associated with medieval times or fantasy settings.
|
| shield |
Commonly used to describe a broad piece of armor held by hand or worn on the arm to protect against weapon blows or projectiles. It can also refer to anything that provides defense or protection metaphorically.
|
| guard |
Generally used to describe someone or something that protects or watches over someone or something. Can be used in a wide variety of contexts, such as security personnel, protective measures, or mechanical parts.
|
| protector |
Often used to describe someone or something that provides defense or care, particularly having a strong, positive connotation of safety and guardianship.
|
Examples of usage
- The knight wielded his buckler skillfully in battle.
- She raised her buckler to block the enemy's attack.
archaic small shield
A small round shield used in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Synonyms
escutcheon, targe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| buckler |
A small, round shield worn on the forearm. It is often used in historical contexts, especially related to Medieval European combat.
|
| targe |
A traditional Scottish shield, typically round and made of wood with leather covers. It is often mentioned in the context of Scottish history and battles.
|
| escutcheon |
A shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms. It is commonly used in heraldry and can also refer to a decorative plate in modern contexts, such as those around keyholes or light switches.
|
Examples of usage
- The museum displayed a collection of antique bucklers.
- He carried a buckler on his belt as a symbol of his rank.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Usage
- Bucklers were popular during the medieval period, often made of wood or metal and decorated for appearance.
- They were favored in personal combat because of their lightweight and maneuverability compared to larger shields.
- The buckler is also noted in various historical texts and illustrations as essential gear for duelists and swordsmen.
Cultural References
- In medieval jousting tournaments, knights often used bucklers alongside their swords for a mix of offense and defense.
- Some video games and films featuring medieval battle scenes include characters wielding bucklers, emphasizing their agility.
- The buckler appears in various folk tales and stories as a symbol of bravery and skill in combat.
Art and Literature
- Bucklers often appear in classic art pieces depicting knights and battles, symbolizing valor and combat readiness.
- Literary descriptions in epic poems often highlight a hero's buckler as a mark of their prowess in battle.
- The buckler has inspired various fantasy narratives, where characters wield them as part of their heroic journey.
Modern Interpretation
- Today, 'buckler' is sometimes used metaphorically to describe anything that offers protection or defense.
- In contemporary culture, it can refer to protective gear such as sports shields or even metaphorical emotional barriers.
- Some practicing martial artists still use bucklers as part of their training to develop skills in handling different forms of defense.
Origin of 'buckler'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'buckler' comes from the Old French word 'bouclier,' which means a small shield.
- It has roots in the Latin term 'buculus,' referring to a bull, which symbolizes strength and protection.
- Historically, the term evolved to describe various shapes of small shields used in combat.
The word 'buckler' originated from the Middle English 'bokeler', which came from the Anglo-French 'bocler' and ultimately from the Latin 'buccula' meaning 'cheek piece'. The term has been used since the Middle Ages to describe a small round shield for personal defense in combat.