bouclier

Bouclier is the French word for shield, a portable defensive item carried by a person to block or deflect blows and projectiles. Shields have been used since ancient times by infantry and cavalry, and they appear in art, heraldry, and ceremonial contexts. The term comes from Old French bouclier, ultimately from Latin scutum.

Shields vary widely in size, shape, and construction, reflecting different fighting techniques and weapons. Common medieval types include the round shield, the heater shield, and the kite shield; the large pavise provided protection for supported archers. The small buckler, held in one hand, was used for parrying and close combat. In ancient times, Greek hoplons and Roman scuta shaped how soldiers faced enemies. Shield designs evolved to balance protection with mobility.

Materials have traditionally included wood covered with leather or rawhide, sometimes reinforced with metal rims or bosses. The core may be plywood in later periods; modern shields use laminated composites and lightweight plastics, especially for riot shields, with a transparent pane for visibility. Shields employ grips or straps and sometimes a central boss to deflect blows.

Today, boucliers remain in police and security use as riot shields and in ceremonial military units. They also appear in sport and theatrical contexts as protective props. The shield’s role in defense remains central to the concept of personal protection across eras and cultures.