1. a former monetary unit of Portugal and several other countries
Usage: historical
2. a shield-shaped emblem or coat of arms
Usage: heraldry

Examples

• Portugal used the escudo as its currency before adopting the euro.
• The old coins were denominated in escudos.
• Cape Verde still uses the escudo as its official currency.
• The family’s escudo displayed three lions on a blue field.
• The heraldic escudo was carved into the castle’s stone entrance.
• Collectors prize vintage escudo coins from the colonial period.