Kilpide

Kilpide is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily in the context of heraldry and architecture. In heraldry, a kilpide is a shield, particularly one of a specific shape or historical period. Shields have been used as defensive equipment for millennia and evolved significantly in form and material over time, from the round shields of ancient warriors to the kite shields of medieval knights. The term kilpide can also be used more generally to denote any shield-shaped object or symbol.

In architecture, a kilpide can refer to a decorative element that resembles a shield. These can be found carved into stonework, cast in metal, or painted onto surfaces. Such architectural kilpides often bear coats of arms, crests, or other symbolic imagery, serving as heraldic markers or purely ornamental features. The specific style and context of the kilpide in architecture would depend on the period and the purpose of the building. Understanding the context is key to discerning the precise meaning of "kilpide" when encountered.