The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word RAGULY
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The straight part
We know that "With stubby projections on shield," is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case with stubby projections on shield, = raguly.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RAGULY mean?
RAGULY adjective- Having short alternating projections and depressions.