Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Scute \Scute\, n. [L. scutum a shield, a buckler. See {Scudo}.]
   1. A small shield. [Obs.] --Skelton.

   2. An old French gold coin of the value of 3s. 4d. sterling,
      or about 80 cents.

   3. (Zo["o]l.) A bony scale of a reptile or fish; a large
      horny scale on the leg of a bird, or on the belly of a
      snake.

Source : WordNet®

scute
     n : large bony or horny plate as on an armadillo or turtle