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I am looking for a word that would used to describe either many shields, or a structure that would be used to carry them in storage.

If I look at this medieval photo, there is a wooden structure on which shields and other weapons are stored. What is the name of this structure, or similar unit?

I am open to words from any era, since I'm going to repurpose it in the context of "conveying many shields". Search terms are helpful, since anything that I google for "sword storage" sends me to a Public Self Storage/Mini storage location.

For context, I'm using this to describe a computer software firewall I'm programming, and would like contextually relevant variable names. Examples include:

  • Umbo = The smallest, most defensive aspect of the technology
  • Shield = A grouping of Umbos (it's a misappropriation but good enough, I think a shield only had a maximum of one Umbo)
  • ???? = A collection of shields that are manufactured or shipped or stored in a batch.
  • ??? = A used, and therefore useless shield
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  • This is an interesting question but I don't see any research of your own here...have you looked on any ancient weapon sites or researched any sources for antique weapon nomenclature?
    – Kristina Lopez
    Commented Jun 12, 2015 at 20:31
  • I'd be very surprised if there were such a term--shields don't really call for any particular storage system. They probably just got stacked in a corner or hung on the wall. There's armory for a room where everything of that sort was kept for convenience in one place. If you want an invented term you could call it a scutarium.
    – StoneyB on hiatus
    Commented Jun 12, 2015 at 23:37
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    Amazing! I had no idea that medieval photos existed. Would love to see a selfie by Charlemagne.
    – Drew
    Commented Jun 13, 2015 at 1:03

2 Answers 2

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The structure shown in your picture is what I would simply call a rack, or maybe a stand.

noun

1 A framework, typically with rails, bars, hooks, or pegs, for holding or storing things:

From Oxford Dictionaries Online

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  • Yes, well, a medieval rack also brings something else to mind...
    – Drew
    Commented Jun 13, 2015 at 1:05
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Reeacters use weapon racks, but there is no real evidence that they are authentic.

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