CANADIAN SHIELD. Laurentian from Latin Laurentius 'Lawrence' (from St. Lawrence River) + -AN. Linked entries: CANADIAN SHIELD # -AN # Lau*ri*er Sir Wilfrid (1841-1919), Canadian statesman; prime minister 1896-1911. He was Canada's first French-Canadian and first Roman Catholic prime minister. lau*rus*ti*nus n. an evergreen winter-flowering viburnum with dense glossy green leaves and white or pink flowers, native to the Mediterranean area and cultivated elsewhere. Viburnum tinus, family Caprifoliaceae. early 17th cent.: modern Latin, from Latin laurus 'laurel' + tinus 'wild laurel'.