Plural of escudo; the former currency of Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries before the euro.
From Latin 'scutum' (shield), as the coin was originally stamped with a shield. The Portuguese used this currency for centuries until adopting the euro in 2002.
The escudo design reflected Portuguese history—shields were symbols of protection and heraldry, so calling currency 'escudos' meant it had the nation's seal of authority and trust.
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