Schilden

Schilden is the Dutch plural form of schild, a word with several related meanings. Most commonly, schild denotes a shield—an object used for protection in combat or a symbolic shield in heraldry or armor displays. Schild can also refer to a sign, plaque, or plate bearing information, such as a decorative or informative panel on buildings, products, or displays.

In historical and heraldic contexts, the term schild describes the shield portion of a coat of arms or heraldic achievement. When discussing more than one such shield, or multiple shield-like items, the plural form schilden is used. This makes the word relevant in museum catalogs, inventory records, and discussions of armory and insignia.

In modern usage, schilden tends to appear primarily in specialized or formal writing, such as descriptions of collections, exhibitions, or archival documents. For everyday language, speakers are more likely to refer to a single schild or to use more common terms for signs and plaques, depending on the exact meaning.

Etymology and related forms reflect Dutch noun pluralization, with -en added to the singular schild. Cognates exist in related Germanic languages, and the root meaning remains closely connected to the idea of a shield or protective emblem.

See also: schild (singular), heraldry, coats of arms, signs and plaques.