aegis
aegis, ĭdis, f., = αἰγίς, ίδος. The œgis. The shield of Jupiter, Verg. A. 8, 354; Sil. 12, 720.— The shield of Minerva, with Medusa's head, Verg. A. 8, 435: contra sonantem Palladis aegida, Hor. C. 3, 4, 57; so Ov. M. 2, 753; 6, 78 al.—Hence, Transf. A shield, defence.—So only Ovid of the jewelry by which maidens try to conceal their ugliness: decipit hac oculos aegide dives Amor, R. Am. 346.— In the larch-tree, the wood nearest the pith, Plin. 16, 39, 73, § 187.