(a) A light shield, often small and round in shape; a buckler, targe; also in fig. context [quot. a1475]; under ~, behind a shield, in combat; (b) a representation of a targe; (c) a seal containing the depiction of a shield; the gret ~, the king's great seal; (d) a large protective cover of joined or overlapping shields or other improvised materials used in siege warfare; targes and hurdise; (e) fig. a defense, protection; a means of defense; (f) a charter; also, a privilege; (g) as surname.