shield-bearer

shield-bearer

A knight's loyal shield-bearer carries his heavy shield into battle.

Definition

Noun: A person who carries a shield, especially as an attendant or assistant to a warrior, knight, or other armed individual.

Usage Examples
  • (An attendant who carried the knight's shield.)
  • (A person whose role is to hold and provide the shield.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to act as a shield-bearer": to perform the function of carrying and managing a shield for someone else.
    • He acted as a shield-bearer for the general during the parade. (He carried and looked after the general's shield.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Shield (n): a broad piece of armor held in the hand for protection against weapons.
    • The soldier raised his shield to block the arrow. (A protective device.)
  • Bearer (n): a person who carries or holds something.
    • The flag-bearer led the procession. (A person who carries a flag.)
Synonyms
  • Armor-bearer: a person who carries armor or weapons for another.
  • Squire: a young man who acted as an attendant to a knight, often carrying his shield and armor.
Related Idioms
  • "Carry someone's shield": to act as a protector or supporter for someone.
    • In the debate, she carried her colleague's shield by defending his ideas. (She supported and protected him.)
Additional Notes
  • The word "shield-bearer" is a compound noun formed from "shield" and "bearer." It is not commonly used in modern English except in historical or fantasy contexts, such as in novels, games, or reenactments.