escudo

noun

es·​cu·​do i-ˈskü-(ˌ)dō 

plural escudos

1

: any of various former gold or silver coins of Hispanic countries

2

a

: the basic monetary unit of Portugal from 1910 to 2001

b

: the basic monetary unit of Cape Verde see Money Table

3

: the basic monetary unit of Chile from 1960 to 1975

Word History

Etymology

Spanish & Portuguese, literally, shield, from Latin scutum

First Known Use

circa 1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

escudo

noun

es·​cu·​do is-ˈküd-ō 

plural escudos

1

: the formerly used basic unit of money of Portugal

2

: a coin representing one escudo

Etymology

Portuguese, literally, "shield"