a man-sized shield behind which a crossbowman can hide while he reloads his weapon

Large, usually rectangular shield carried by infantrymen and frequently used in siege work to protect archers and crossbowmen. The largest were equipped with a prop to support them.

Large shield carried by infantrymen, often equipped with a prop to set them upright on the ground

Large shield used to protect military crossbowmen in the field while loading and shooting.

1. large, free-standing shield on hinged support used by archers as protection when shooting 2. large rectangular shield carried by spearmen and used to provide cover for crossbowmen

A pavise (or Pavis, Pabys, pavesen) is a large convex shield of European origin used to protect the entire body. The pavise was also made in a smaller version for hand to hand combat and for wearing on the back of men-at-arms. It is characterized by its prominent central ridge.