How Do You Spell PAVISE?

Pronunciation: [pˈava͡ɪz] (IPA)

The word "pavise" is often misspelled, with people often writing it as "pavisee" or "paviese". The correct spelling is /pəˈvaɪz/ (puh-vahyz), with the stress on the second syllable. The word comes from the Middle English "paves", and refers to a large, oblong shield. It was commonly used by medieval soldiers in Europe, providing them with protection against arrows and other projectiles. Despite its historical significance, the spelling of the word remains a point of confusion for many English speakers.

PAVISE Meaning and Definition

1. A pavise is a noun that refers to a large, rectangular shield used primarily by foot soldiers during the Middle Ages. Its name is derived from the Italian word "pavesa," which means "fortification" or "shield."

   Typically constructed of wood, a pavise was designed to provide extensive protection for the soldier behind it, covering his whole body from projectiles such as arrows and crossbow bolts. It measured roughly six feet in height and two to three feet in width, making it taller and wider than the average soldier. The front surface of the shield was reinforced with metal, often iron or steel, to increase its durability and resistance to enemy attacks. Some pavises featured a small opening, known as an arming hole, through which the soldier would insert their hand or arm to grip the shield.

   In addition to its protective function, the pavise shield also served as a mobile barrier. Owing to its size and weight, it could be propped up on the ground using a supporting stand, called a paviser, enabling the soldier to take cover behind it. This allowed archers and crossbowmen to maintain a defensive position while reloading or shooting, thereby minimizing their exposure to enemy fire.

   The pavise shield was commonly utilized by infantry troops in the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly during sieges and defensive battles. Its distinctive design and effectiveness as a defensive tool contributed to its widespread use throughout medieval Europe.

Common Misspellings for PAVISE

• oavise
• lavise
• 0avise
• pzvise
• psvise
• pwvise
• pqvise
• pacise
• pabise
• pagise
• pafise
• pavuse
• pavjse
• pavkse
• pavose
• pav9se
• pav8se
• paviae
• pavize

Etymology of PAVISE

The word "pavise" derives from the Middle English term "paves", which was borrowed from the Old French word "pavois". "Pavois" itself came from the Latin word "pavēre", meaning "to beat", "to strike", or "to fight". Originally, the term referred to a large shield used in battle during the Middle Ages. Over time, "pavise" also came to represent a portable protective barrier or shield used by archers to take cover behind.

Similar spelling words for PAVISE

• pappose,
• PAPAS,
• Papke,
• papoose,
• pavis.

Plural form of PAVISE is PAVISES