targe
Archaic/ObsoleteHistorical, Literary, Poetic, Fantasy
Definition
Meaning
A small, round shield, especially one used by Scottish Highlanders or in medieval Europe.
Used as an archaic or literary term for a light shield; can appear in historical, fantasy, or poetic contexts. No significant extended modern meaning.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to a type of light, often circular shield. Its use is now almost entirely confined to historical texts, reenactment, and fantasy literature (e.g., in works describing medieval or Scottish Highland warriors).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in modern usage, as the word is obsolete in both varieties. It might be marginally more recognized in the UK due to its association with Scottish history.
Connotations
Historical, antique, Scottish, chivalric.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects. Possible sightings in historical novels or poetry.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N (Highland/leather/wooden) targeV (carry/bear/hold) a targeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in modern use.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in historical reenactment, arms/armour terminology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No verb form in modern usage.
American English
- No verb form in modern usage.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No adjective form.
American English
- No adjective form.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable for this word at A2 level.)
- The museum had an old Scottish targe on display.
- The warrior held his targe high.
- The Highland clansman parried the blow with his leather-covered targe.
- Medieval infantry sometimes used a targe for close combat.
- The targe, often embellished with intricate Celtic patterns and a central metal boss, was a defining piece of Highland warrior equipment.
- In the epic poem, the knight's targe was emblazoned with a golden lion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Scottish warrior charging (CHARGE) behind his round TARGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHIELD (though 'targe' itself is too specific to serve as a common metaphorical source).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'target' (мишень, цель).
- Not related to the modern English word 'target', despite shared etymology.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'target'.
- Using it as a modern synonym for any shield instead of its specific historical context.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'targe' most specifically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic word. Its only contemporary use is in historical, literary, or fantasy contexts.
'Targe' is a specific type of shield—typically light and round. 'Shield' is the general term for any defensive armor held in the hand or on the arm.
Yes, etymologically. 'Target' originally meant a small shield (like a targe). Over time, it came to mean something you aim at, likely because shields were used for archery practice.
In historical novels about Scotland or the Middle Ages, in fantasy books and games, in museums describing arms and armor, or in poetry using archaic diction.