Definition of "testudo" [tes•tu•do]

• A Roman siege device consisting of a movable screen protecting the besiegers' approach to a wall. (noun)
• A cover formed by the overlapping shields of besiegers and held over their heads. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Finally, the derivation of the word testudo itself comes from the Latin word for a protective shelter used for Roman soldiers heads, similar to a tortoise shell."
• "Interestingly, the word testudo also comes from the Latin word for a protective shelter used for Roman soldiers heads, similar to a tortoise shell, so that could be the answer as well."
• "Now, Roger makes no mention whatever of "testudo," while Roland says:"