Wikipedia
A shield bearer was usually a lightly armored soldier who protected another soldier by carrying a protective shield. A commander might be protected by several shield bearers. Other types of soldiers that made use of shield bearers included archers, crossbowmen, and early handgunners.
The Spartan hoplites adopted larger shields after the development of the Macedonian phalanx. A shield bearer carried a hoplite's shield on the march. In combat, the shield bearer served among the light infantry, usually as a slinger.
Category:Military units and formations of Antiquity Category:Ancient Greek infantry types
Usage examples of "shield bearer".
Then he, with his shield bearer, left the leather of the square of hazel wands.
Three-man Hittite carts, driver and warrior and shield bearer, heavier than hers, horses' sides covered by leather blankets sewn with scales, the crews armored as well.
Abdikadir and the other riflemen had been assigned a shield bearer each, but these were being brushed aside.
He'd be perfect as a shield bearer, or, if you don't trust him for that, hard labor.