par·fleche 
(pärflĕsh′)
(pärflĕsh′)n.
1. An untanned animal hide soaked in lye and water to remove the hair and then dried on a stretcher.
2. An article, such as a shield or bag, made of this hide.
[Canadian French parflèche : French parer, to parry, defend; see PARRY + French flèche, arrow; see FLèCHE.]