A plate of metal surrounding a keyhole which prevents the surface of the door, drawer, etc., in which it is set from being scratched or otherwise damaged by the key.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Repertory of Patent Inventions.
Definition of keyhole escutcheon in US English:
keyhole escutcheon
noun
A plate of metal surrounding a keyhole which prevents the surface of the door, drawer, etc., in which it is set from being scratched or otherwise damaged by the key.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Repertory of Patent Inventions.