From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Scute \Scute\, n. [L. scutum a shield, a buckler. See Scudo.] 1. A small shield. [Obs.] --Skelton. [1913 Webster]
2. An old French gold coin of the value of 3s. 4d. sterling, or about 80 cents. [1913 Webster]
3. (Zool.) 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. [1913 Webster]