The term escutcheon refers to a SHIELD or CREST that is used as a decorative element in architecture and heraldry. It is typically made of metal, wood, or stone and is often decorated with symbols or designs. The crossword solutions for the term escutcheon are 'CREST' (5 letters) and 'SHIELD' (6 letters). Both of these words refer to the same object, but CREST is more commonly used to describe a decorative element while SHIELD is more commonly used to describe a protective element.