CARTOUCHE. The term is applied in architecture to or namentation in scroll form, especially to the elaborate, scrolled frames around tablets or coats of arms ; by extension, the word is applied to any oval shape, or even to a decorative shield, whether scrolled or not. The word is also used for the oval frame enclosing the hieroglyphs of the name of an Egyptian royal per sonage, and also for the amulet of similar shape, commonly worn by men and women in ancient Egypt, as a protection against the loss of their names, i.e. personalities.