blot on the escutcheon
Something damaging to one's reputation.
The most zealous advocates of the unfortunate monarch cannot deny that this is an indelible blot on his escutcheon.
escutcheon
UK /ɪˈskʌt͡ʃən/ US /ɪˈskʌt͡ʃən/
noun 5
Definitions
noun
1
The shield on which a coat of arms is displayed, or, by extension, the coat of arms itself.
Meronyms: field, charge, emblem
He dies: his very coffin is comfortable; the very vault of his ancestors is sheltered; a funeral sermon is preached in his honour; and escutcheon and marble tablet do their best to preserve his memory.
2
A small shield used to charge a larger one.
3
The pattern of distribution of hair upon the pubic mound.
The hair becomes darker and coarser during pubic hair stage 3, spreading over the pubic symphysis with gradual progression to a full female escutcheon.
4
A marking upon the back of a cow's udder and the space above it (the perineum), formed by the hair growing upward or outward instead of downward. It was once taken as an index of milking qualities.
The milk-mirror, or escutcheon, is formed by the hair above the udder, extending upwards between the thighs, […]
5
The part of a ship's stern where its name is displayed.
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