noun
- a large shield used in medieval warfare to protect the whole body
Usage: historical; archaic
Examples
- The crossbowman crouched behind his pavis while reloading.
- Medieval soldiers used a pavis to shield themselves from enemy arrows.
- The pavis was often decorated with heraldic symbols.
- Archers would plant their pavis in the ground for protection.
- The large pavis covered the soldier from head to toe.
- Castle defenders positioned their pavis along the battlements.