THE HERALDRY
PROJECT
Start practicing
Menu

✦ The reference desk

The lexicon.

399 entries across 11 subjects, including 103 with links to documentary examples. From the geometry of a shield to international source records.

399 of 399 entries

Tip: press / to search. Accents are optional. Each entry has a permanent link; searches can be bookmarked.

Practice vocabulary flashcards ↗

Geometry

abased

#

Placed lower than a charge or ordinary would ordinarily appear on a shield.

Practice

abatement

#

An alleged dishonourable alteration described in later heraldic manuals; systematic historical use is disputed.

Language

accosted

#

Accompanied by another figure on each side of the principal charge.

Anatomy

achievement

#

The complete heraldic display around an armiger's shield, potentially including a helm, crest, mantling, supporters and motto.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

acorn

#

The nut of an oak tree, sometimes represented within its cup.

Language

addorsed

#

Back to back, especially of a pair of animals or birds.

Language

affronté

#

Facing the viewer directly rather than shown in profile.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Practice

allusive arms

#

Arms referring to a bearer's name, profession or qualities through imagery.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

anchor

#

A stylized ship's anchor used as a heraldic charge.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

anvil

#

A metalworking implement shown as a charge in craft and personal arms.

Research

archival shelfmark

#

The identifying reference assigned to an object or collection by an archive.

Tinctures

argent

#

The metal silver, commonly represented as white.

Documentary examples · 8

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

armas parlantes

#

Spanish and Portuguese expression for canting arms.

Language

armed

#

Describes claws, horns or other natural weapons, often when separately tinctured.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

armes parlantes

#

French term for canting arms, involving a pictorial pun or allusion.

People

armiger

#

An individual or institution entitled to bear a particular coat of arms under the relevant tradition.

Comparative

armoiries

#

French term for armorial bearings, whose scope varies with context.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

History

armorial

#

A collection or register of coats of arms; also an adjective relating to arms.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Practice

armorial bearings

#

A formal expression for arms, sometimes referring to the whole heraldic achievement.

History

armorial manuscript

#

A handwritten or illustrated source containing descriptions or pictures of arms.

History

armorial ordinary

#

An index arranged by designs or charges rather than primarily by bearers' names.

History

armorial roll

#

A compilation of coats of arms prepared for identification, record or display.

History

armorial seal

#

A seal displaying an armorial device, which may preserve evidence of historical use.

Anatomy

arms

#

The heraldic device, especially the design displayed on the shield.

Documentary example · 1

Related: coat of armsachievement

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Practice

arms of alliance

#

A joint display associating the armorial identities of spouses or families.

Practice

arms of dominion

#

Arms representing a realm, sovereign authority or a ruler's office.

Practice

arms of pretence

#

An inescutcheon conveying a particular hereditary or marital claim in some traditions.

Charges

arrow

#

A pointed missile, with feathers and orientation optionally specified.

Practice

assumption of arms

#

Adopting an armorial design without receiving a new official grant.

Language

attired

#

Having antlers, especially when these are separately tinctured from the stag.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Practice

augmentation of honour

#

An addition authorized in recognition of distinction or service.

Tinctures

azure

#

The heraldic colour blue. Its exact shade is not universally fixed.

Documentary examples · 7

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Anatomy

badge

#

A distinctive heraldic emblem that may be used separately from the shield or crest.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Anatomy

banner of arms

#

A flag whose whole field displays an armorial design, rather than a logo on a shield.

Geometry

bar

#

A narrow horizontal stripe; multiple bars are commonly shown together.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

bar gemel

#

Two narrow parallel horizontal bars treated together as a heraldic figure.

Geometry

bar serpentine

#

A narrow horizontal band following a serpentine or sinuously curved course, as specified in the blazon.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

barbed

#

Having arrow points or the outer green parts of a rose specifically represented.

Geometry

barrulet

#

A very narrow horizontal stripe, smaller than an ordinary bar.

Geometry

barry

#

Divided into an even number of alternating horizontal stripes.

Geometry

barry wavy

#

Divided into alternating horizontal bands whose partition lines undulate.

Language

beaked

#

Of a bird, having a beak of a particular tincture.

Geometry

bend

#

A diagonal ordinary running from the bearer's dexter chief to sinister base.

Geometry

bend sinister

#

A diagonal ordinary running from sinister chief to dexter base.

Geometry

bendlet

#

A narrow diagonal ordinary of the same orientation as a bend.

Geometry

bendlet sinister

#

A narrow diagonal stripe following the direction of a bend sinister.

Geometry

bendy

#

Divided into repeating diagonal bands along the direction of a bend.

Geometry

bendy sinister

#

Divided into repeating diagonal bands following a bend sinister.

Language

between

#

Indicates a principal charge accompanied by other charges on either side or around it.

Documentary examples · 4

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

bezant

#

A bezant is a roundel shown Or (gold); like other roundels, its name conveys its tincture.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

billet

#

A small rectangular heraldic charge.

Comparative

blasonnement

#

French expression for the wording or process of formally describing arms.

Comparative

blasons coloriés

#

French archival expression for painted or coloured armorial representations; the phrase can designate a manuscript series rather than grants.

Documentary example · 1

Related: Armorial généralarmorial manuscript

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

blazon

#

A formal verbal description of arms, written according to heraldic conventions.

Documentary example · 1

Related: blazonryletters patentcoat of arms

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

History

blazonry

#

The process and conventions of formally describing heraldic designs.

Tinctures

bleu celeste

#

A light sky-blue tincture used in some modern British and Commonwealth armory.

Charges

boar

#

A wild pig used as a heraldic animal charge.

Charges

boar's head

#

The head of a wild pig, sometimes shown couped or erased.

Geometry

bordure

#

A band following the outer perimeter of a shield.

Comparative

brasão

#

Portuguese term for a coat of arms.

Comparative

Bürgerwappen

#

German term for a non-noble family's arms, distinct from civic arms.

Institutions

burgher arms

#

Heraldic arms of non-noble townspeople or families, especially in central Europe.

Comparative

burgher coat of arms

#

Arms borne by a non-noble family in a German-speaking context; not necessarily the official arms of a municipality.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

caboshed

#

An animal's head shown looking straight outward without the neck.

Practice

cadency

#

A system of distinguishing members of a family by differences in their arms.

Practice

cadet branch

#

A younger family line potentially distinguished by a mark of difference.

Charges

caltrap

#

A four-pointed anti-cavalry device depicted with a spike upward.

Institutions

Canadian Heraldic Authority

#

Canada's official authority for granting, recording and registering heraldic emblems.

Practice

canting arms

#

Arms containing a visual pun or reference to the bearer's name.

Documentary example · 1

Related: allusive armsarms

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

canton

#

A square or rectangular figure placed in an upper corner of the shield, usually dexter chief.

Anatomy

cap of maintenance

#

A ceremonial cap often depicted with a crimson crown and an ermine lining.

Tinctures

carnation

#

A flesh-coloured tincture used in some heraldic systems.

Charges

castle

#

A fortified building charge with towers, battlements and sometimes a doorway.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Research

catalogue entry

#

A descriptive record that identifies a source but does not prove it was examined.

Tinctures

cendrée

#

An uncommon grey tincture, distinct from the seven principal tinctures.

Anatomy

chapeau

#

A hat-like heraldic item, sometimes meaning the cap of maintenance.

Charges

charge

#

Any figure or emblem placed on a field or other heraldic figure.

Geometry

checky

#

A repeating pattern of adjacent squares alternating between two tinctures.

Geometry

chevron

#

An ordinary in the shape of an inverted V.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

chevronel

#

A comparatively narrow chevron, sometimes shown in multiples.

Geometry

chevronny

#

Divided into repeated chevron-shaped bands of alternating tinctures.

Geometry

chief

#

Both the upper part of a shield and a horizontal ordinary occupying that part.

Documentary examples · 4

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

cimiero

#

Italian word for a heraldic crest above a helmet.

Charges

cinquefoil

#

A stylized five-lobed or five-petalled flower-like figure.

Institutions

civic arms

#

Arms identifying a town, city, county or other public territorial body.

Language

close

#

Of a bird, shown with its wings folded against its body.

Anatomy

coat of arms

#

A heraldic design belonging to an armiger; strictly distinguished from a crest alone.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

cockatrice

#

A legendary beast combining cockerel and reptilian features.

Research

codicology

#

The study of the physical construction and history of manuscript books.

Anatomy

collar

#

A ceremonial collar or chain of an order shown around a coat of arms.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Research

collation

#

Comparison of textual witnesses to identify differences between copies.

Institutions

College of Arms

#

The English corporation of heralds responsible for arms and records in its jurisdiction.

Anatomy

compartment

#

The ground or base upon which supporters may stand beneath an achievement.

Geometry

compony

#

Composed of a single row of adjoining pieces in alternating tinctures.

Practice

confirmation of arms

#

A formal recognition of existing arms, different from creating new arms.

Language

conjoined

#

Joined or touching, with the nature of the connection dependent on context.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

contourné

#

Turned toward sinister, especially of an animal ordinarily depicted facing dexter; French-derived usage also occurs in Canadian blazons.

Language

contourny

#

Facing sinister instead of the direction conventionally expected.

Anatomy

coronet

#

A small crown-like emblem whose particular form may convey rank.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Institutions

corporate arms

#

Arms of an organization such as a university, charity or corporation.

Language

couchant

#

Reclining with the body at rest and the head usually raised.

Geometry

counter-compony

#

Composed of two adjoining rows of alternating small squares or rectangles.

Tinctures

counter-ermine

#

A reverse ermine pattern, usually white ermine spots on black.

Tinctures

counter-potent

#

A potent fur pattern with rows of crutch-shaped figures arranged in opposing orientation.

Tinctures

counter-vair

#

Vair with adjoining rows of bell-shaped pieces set base to base.

Language

counterchanged

#

A design in which colours and/or metals of charges reverse across a divided field.

History

counterseal

#

A seal impression on the reverse of a document or principal seal.

Language

couped

#

Severed cleanly along a smooth or straight boundary.

Language

courant

#

Running, generally with the animal's legs stretched out.

Institutions

Court of the Lord Lyon

#

The Scottish heraldic court responsible for heraldic matters under Scots law.

Charges

crescent

#

A curved moon-shaped charge whose horns commonly point upward.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Anatomy

crest

#

The heraldic device positioned atop the helmet, not the entire coat of arms.

Documentary examples · 6

Related: helmtorseachievement

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Research

critical edition

#

A scholarly text with documented witnesses, variants and editorial choices.

Geometry

cross

#

An upright cross used as an ordinary or as a smaller charge.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

cross crosslet

#

A small cross with a crossing element near the end of each arm.

Charges

cross fleury

#

A cross with arms terminating in stylized fleurs-de-lis.

Charges

cross formy

#

A cross whose arms expand toward their ends.

Charges

cross moline

#

A cross with ends resembling the split ends of a millrind.

Charges

cross pattée

#

A cross with arms broadening outward, found in many regional forms.

Charges

cross potent

#

A cross with short transverse bars at the ends of its arms.

Anatomy

crown

#

A heraldic representation of sovereignty or authority, with meaning dependent on context.

Geometry

dancetty

#

A zigzag edge with comparatively large triangular teeth, as opposed to fine indented work.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

demi-boar

#

The upper or front half of a wild boar, used as a charge or crest element.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

demi-lion

#

The upper half of a lion, often used in crests or as a charge.

Geometry

dexter

#

The right side from the bearer's perspective; the viewer's left.

Documentary examples · 3

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

dexter base

#

The lower corner on the bearer's right, appearing at the viewer's lower left.

Geometry

dexter chief

#

The upper corner on the bearer's right, appearing at the viewer's upper left.

Practice

difference

#

A modification of arms to distinguish another bearer or branch.

Practice

differencing

#

Modifying arms to distinguish branches or individual bearers.

Practice

dimidiation

#

An old form of marshalling that combines parts of two coats of arms.

Research

diplomatics

#

Historical study of documents, their form, authenticity and transmission.

Language

displayed

#

An attitude of a bird, particularly an eagle, with wings spread.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

dormant

#

Sleeping, shown at rest with the head typically lowered.

Charges

double-headed eagle

#

An eagle represented with two heads, common in several imperial traditions.

Geometry

dovetailed

#

A partition line resembling the interlocking dovetail joints of carpentry.

Charges

eagle

#

A large heraldic bird, commonly displayed with its wings spread.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Institutions

ecclesiastical heraldry

#

Armorial traditions of religious officeholders and institutions.

Language

elevated

#

Raised, especially describing a bird's wings.

Geometry

embattled

#

An edge formed like battlements, with repeated raised portions and gaps.

Language

embowed

#

Curved or bent, especially of a human arm or an animal's body.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

enfiled

#

Passed through a ring, wreath or comparable surrounding object.

Language

engrailed

#

Describes a line or edge with a series of small curved indentations.

Geometry

enhanced

#

Placed higher on the shield than the customary position of a charge or ordinary.

Language

ensigned

#

Surmounted by an emblem or dignity such as a crown.

Comparative

erb

#

Czech or Slovak term used for a coat of arms.

Language

erect

#

Standing upright rather than lying in the customary orientation.

Tinctures

ermine

#

A heraldic fur, conventionally white with black ermine-tail spots.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Tinctures

ermines

#

A reversed ermine fur, generally black with white ermine-tail spots.

Tinctures

erminite

#

An ermine variant with red details added to the conventional black spots on white.

Tinctures

erminois

#

A fur of black ermine spots scattered over a gold field.

Charges

escallop

#

A stylized scallop-shell charge.

Documentary example · 1

Related: charge

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

escarbuncle

#

A radiating heraldic figure derived from metal reinforcement on early shields.

Comparative

escudo de armas

#

Spanish for coat of arms or armorial shield depending on context.

Anatomy

escutcheon

#

A shield bearing arms; a small shield charge can be called an inescutcheon.

Charges

estoile

#

A star-like heraldic charge often shown with wavy rays.

Research

facsimile

#

A visual reproduction of a document or image, potentially preserving fine detail.

Geometry

fess

#

A horizontal ordinary across the centre of a shield.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

fesswise

#

Set in the horizontal direction of a fess, as opposed to upright or diagonally arranged.

Charges

fetterlock

#

A stylized fastening or shackle, especially familiar as an English badge.

Anatomy

field

#

The background surface of a shield, whether plain or divided.

Geometry

fillet

#

A narrow band, especially a narrow chief in some English descriptive conventions.

Geometry

fimbriation

#

A narrow contrasting border applied to a heraldic figure, particularly in flags.

Language

fitchy

#

Ending in a point, especially of the lower limb of a cross.

Geometry

flanches

#

A pair of curved figures extending inward from the opposite sides of a shield.

Charges

fleur-de-lis

#

A stylized floral charge associated with several European heraldic traditions.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

fleur-de-lys

#

A conventional variant spelling of fleur-de-lis, denoting the same stylized floral charge.

Documentary example · 1

Related: fleur-de-lis

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

flory-counter-flory

#

Alternately decorated with fleur-de-lis motifs on the two sides of a figure, notably a Scottish double tressure.

Research

folio

#

One leaf of a manuscript book, with a front and reverse side.

Geometry

fret

#

An interlaced geometric charge conventionally formed by a mascle and a saltire.

Geometry

fretty

#

Covered with repeated interlaced diagonal strips in an open lattice pattern.

Language

fructed

#

Bearing fruit of a specified tincture.

Tinctures

fur

#

A category of heraldic patterned tinctures including ermine and vair.

Geometry

fusil

#

An elongated lozenge, narrower and more pointed than a conventional diamond.

Geometry

fusilly

#

Divided into a repeating pattern of elongated diamond-shaped pieces.

Charges

galley

#

A ship or boat with oars or sails shown as a heraldic charge; details vary by artistic and regional convention.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

garb

#

A bound sheaf of grain, often wheat.

Institutions

Garter Principal King of Arms

#

The senior English King of Arms at the College of Arms.

Language

gauntleted

#

Shown wearing an armoured glove or gauntlet, commonly describing a heraldic arm.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Anatomy

gonfanon

#

A banner with hanging tails, sometimes used as a charge.

Language

gorged

#

Of an animal, wearing a collar or other device encircling the neck.

Documentary example · 1

Related: collar

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Institutions

grant of arms

#

An official act creating armorial bearings by a competent heraldic authority.

Documentary examples · 2

Related: letters patentregistration of arms

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

griffin

#

A creature combining the foreparts of an eagle with the hindquarters of a lion.

Language

guardant

#

An attitude in which an animal's head faces the viewer.

Tinctures

gules

#

The heraldic colour red, one of the principal colours used in armorial design.

Documentary examples · 8

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

gyron

#

A triangular sector, often one of the pieces of a gyronny field.

Geometry

gyronny

#

A division of the field into triangular sectors radiating from a common point.

Tinctures

hatching

#

A scheme of dots and lines by which engravers represent heraldic tinctures without using coloured pigment; the Petra Sancta system became widely influential.

History

hatchment

#

A funerary heraldic display, often diamond-shaped, with conventions indicating family status.

Language

hauriant

#

Of a fish, swimming upright with its head toward chief.

Anatomy

helm

#

A helmet shown above the shield as part of a heraldic achievement.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

People

herald

#

An officer or specialist associated with armory, genealogy, and ceremonial protocol.

Institutions

heraldic authority

#

An institution or officer empowered under a defined system to administer arms.

People

heraldic heiress

#

A woman through whom paternal arms may pass as quarterings under certain inheritance rules.

Institutions

heraldic registration

#

An entry in a heraldic register, whose legal effect depends on the system involved.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

History

heraldic visitation

#

An official inquiry into pedigrees and arms, prominent in early modern England.

History

heraldry

#

The study, practice and administration of coats of arms and related devices.

Comparative

herb

#

Polish for a coat of arms, often a named design borne by several noble families.

Comparative

herbarz

#

Polish term for an armorial reference book, often compiled long after the events described.

Practice

hereditary arms

#

Arms transmitted by descent under a relevant legal or customary system.

Geometry

honour point

#

A reference point above the centre of a shield used for locating charges.

Charges

horse

#

An equine charge represented in various attitudes.

Research

illuminated manuscript

#

A manuscript embellished with painting, ornamental work or precious metals.

Practice

impalement

#

Combining two armorial identities side by side in one shield.

Geometry

in bend

#

Separate charges arranged diagonally along the line of a bend.

Geometry

in chief

#

In the upper region of the shield rather than on a chief ordinary, unless the wording explicitly says otherwise.

Geometry

in fess

#

Separate charges arranged horizontally across the field.

Geometry

in orle

#

A group of separate charges following the inside perimeter of the shield.

Practice

in pretence

#

Shown on an inescutcheon to represent a heraldic claim under certain conventions.

Geometry

in saltire

#

Separate charges arranged in the shape of a diagonal cross.

Geometry

indented

#

An edge consisting of repeated small angular zigzags.

Geometry

inescutcheon

#

A smaller shield borne as a charge on a larger shield.

Language

interlaced

#

Woven over and under one another, such as rings or knots.

Geometry

invected

#

An edge formed of curved arcs oriented opposite to those of an engrailed line.

Language

inverted

#

Turned upside down from the usual heraldic orientation.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

issuant

#

Appearing to emerge from another figure or partition.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

kamon

#

Japanese family or house emblem associated with mon traditions, not equivalent to European armorial law.

Charges

key

#

A key, with its ward, bow and orientation sometimes specified.

Institutions

King of Arms

#

A senior rank of heraldic officer with jurisdiction-specific responsibilities.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

klejnot

#

Polish heraldic term for a crest, though the general word can mean a jewel.

Practice

label

#

A horizontal cadency mark with pendent points; traditionally linked to an eldest son in English usage.

Anatomy

lambrequin

#

Another word for the decorative mantling flowing from a heraldic helm.

Language

langued

#

Having a tongue of a specified tincture.

Institutions

letters patent

#

An official instrument used by certain heraldic authorities to document a grant of arms.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

lion

#

A heavily stylized feline charge appearing in many attitudes.

Charges

lion rampant

#

A lion rearing upright on one hind leg.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Institutions

Lord Lyon King of Arms

#

Scotland's principal heraldic officer with judicial and administrative responsibilities.

Geometry

lozenge

#

A diamond-shaped heraldic figure or alternative support used for some armorial displays.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

lozengy

#

Divided into a repeating pattern of diamond-shaped areas of alternating tinctures.

Charges

lucy

#

A pike fish shown as a heraldic charge, sometimes used as a visual pun on the name Lucy.

Charges

lymphad

#

A conventionalized ship, especially familiar in Scottish and island arms.

Anatomy

mantling

#

Decorative representation of cloth issuing from a helmet, often flowing around a shield.

Research

manuscript witness

#

An individual surviving source attesting a text or design.

Charges

maple leaf

#

The leaf of a maple tree, frequently used in Canadian heraldry and civic symbolism.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Practice

marshalling

#

Rules and methods for combining two or more coats of arms in a display.

Charges

martlet

#

A stylized heraldic bird, commonly depicted without feet.

Documentary examples · 2

Related: merletteclosecharge

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

mascle

#

A lozenge-shaped figure with a similarly shaped opening in its centre.

Language

masoned

#

Marked with visible joints between stones or bricks, especially on walls, towers and crowns.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Research

material provenance

#

A documented chain of an artefact's creation, ownership and custody.

Institutions

matriculation

#

Formal recording of arms, particularly the Scottish process for a bearer or cadet branch.

Language

membered

#

Having limbs or legs of a specified tincture, especially of birds.

Charges

merlette

#

A stylized French heraldic bird often represented without beak or feet; compare the English martlet.

Comparative

městský znak

#

Czech expression for the arms or emblem of a town.

Tinctures

metal

#

A class of tinctures comprising Or and Argent.

Charges

millrind

#

An iron fitting associated with a millstone, rendered as a geometric charge.

Comparative

mon

#

A Japanese emblem used to identify households or organizations outside European armorial frameworks.

Comparative

mondokoro

#

A Japanese family emblem, with its own history and rules of use.

Anatomy

motto

#

A phrase associated with an armiger, often displayed on a scroll; its status varies by tradition.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

mullet

#

A star-shaped heraldic charge, often five-pointed in English usage.

Documentary examples · 3

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Anatomy

mural crown

#

A crown formed with masonry and battlements, frequently associated with civic or corporate heraldry.

Documentary examples · 2

Related: crownmasoned

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

naiant

#

Of a fish, swimming horizontally.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

naissant

#

Emerging partly into view above a line or another figure.

Geometry

nebuly

#

An edge or partition formed of repeated cloud-like curved lobes.

Geometry

nombril point

#

A reference point below the centre of a heraldic shield, toward its base.

Charges

oak leaf

#

The leaf of an oak tree, used individually or with branches and acorns.

Tinctures

or

#

The heraldic metal gold, often represented as yellow.

Documentary examples · 6

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

ordinary

#

A principal geometric figure such as a fess, pale, bend or chevron.

Geometry

orle

#

A narrow border-like ordinary that follows the outline of a shield inside its field.

Charges

ostrich feather

#

A long plume frequently used in crests and badges.

Language

overall

#

A charge depicted across and visually over other figures.

Research

palaeography

#

Study of historical handwriting and scripts used to read and date sources.

Geometry

pale

#

A vertical ordinary running from the top toward the base of a shield.

Language

palewise

#

Oriented vertically in the manner of a pale rather than horizontally or diagonally.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

pall

#

A Y-shaped ordinary formed by three bands meeting at one point, found in some civic and personal arms.

Geometry

pallet

#

A relatively narrow vertical stripe, sometimes appearing in multiple groups.

Geometry

paly

#

Divided into an even number of alternating vertical stripes.

Geometry

paly bendy

#

Divided by both vertical and diagonal lines, forming a repeated geometric pattern.

Language

passant

#

Walking; an animal attitude, often used of lions.

Language

passant regardant

#

Walking with the head turned backward.

Tinctures

pean

#

A fur with gold ermine spots on a black field.

Charges

pegasus

#

A winged horse of classical mythology, found as a heraldic charge, crest or supporter.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

pellet

#

A black roundel in traditional English heraldic terminology.

Anatomy

pennon

#

A tapering medieval flag associated with a knight or mounted retinue.

Geometry

per bend

#

A division of the field diagonally along the line of a bend.

Geometry

per bend sinister

#

Divided diagonally from sinister chief toward dexter base.

Geometry

per chevron

#

A division along the line of a chevron.

Geometry

per fess

#

A horizontal division of the field.

Documentary examples · 2

Related: fessquarterly

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

per pale

#

A vertical division of the field.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

per pall

#

Divided into three areas by lines meeting in the shape of a Y or its inverse.

Geometry

per saltire

#

Divided into four triangular areas by diagonal lines forming an X.

Tinctures

Petra Sancta system

#

A historically influential scheme for representing heraldic tinctures with engraved patterns, popularized in the seventeenth century.

Language

pierced

#

Having an opening revealing the underlying field.

Geometry

pile

#

A wedge-shaped heraldic figure, usually pointing down from the chief.

Charges

portcullis

#

A lattice gate with chains used as a heraldic device.

Tinctures

potent

#

A stylized fur pattern built from repeated crutch-shaped pieces, often blue and white.

Geometry

potenty

#

A partition line with repeated projections resembling the heads of heraldic crutches.

Tinctures

proper

#

Depicted in a charge's natural or conventionally natural colours rather than a named tincture.

Documentary examples · 6

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Institutions

public register

#

An official or formally maintained collection of recorded arms.

Tinctures

purpure

#

The heraldic colour purple.

Institutions

pursuivant

#

A junior heraldic officer, below a herald in several traditional hierarchies.

Language

quadrate

#

Of a cross, having a square enlargement or other square central portion, as specified in a blazon.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

quarter

#

A substantial square or rectangular area placed in one corner of a shield.

Practice

quartering

#

Combining different arms in separate quarters of the same shield.

Geometry

quarterly

#

The division of a field into four quarters, or an arrangement of multiple armorial identities.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

quatrefoil

#

A stylized four-lobed floral or leaf-like figure.

Geometry

raguly

#

An edge with short angular projections resembling the stumps of lopped branches.

Language

rampant

#

Rearing up; a common attitude of a lion and some other beasts.

Research

recto

#

The front side of a manuscript leaf, often abbreviated 'r'.

Language

regardant

#

With the head turned backward over the shoulder.

Practice

registration of arms

#

Recording arms in a register, not always a legal act of granting arms.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Practice

registration of historic arms

#

Administrative entry of pre-existing arms, distinct from creating the design by a new grant.

Practice

rematriculation

#

A further registration or matriculation of inherited arms, especially in Scottish practice.

Research

reproduction rights

#

Legal or custodial conditions governing reuse of an image or textual reproduction.

Language

respectant

#

Of two creatures, facing toward one another.

Comparative

ród herbowy

#

Polish expression for a heraldic clan or armorial group, not proof of shared descent.

History

roll of arms

#

A compiled display or list of armorial bearings, often dating from medieval practice.

Charges

rose

#

A conventional heraldic flower, often shown with five petals.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

roundel

#

A circular charge, sometimes named more specifically by its tincture.

Institutions

royal arms

#

Armorial bearings representing a sovereign or monarchy, rather than necessarily private arms.

Practice

rule of tincture

#

An introductory contrast convention discouraging colour-on-colour and metal-on-metal placement, subject to exceptions.

Tinctures

sable

#

The heraldic colour black.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

salient

#

Leaping or springing, with the forelegs raised.

Geometry

saltire

#

A diagonal X-shaped cross, as an ordinary or charge.

Tinctures

sanguine

#

An uncommon dark red tincture, classed as a stain by some heraldic writers.

Research

scribal hand

#

A recognizable pattern or style of handwriting used in manuscript attribution.

Anatomy

scroll

#

A ribbon-like device carrying a motto or other inscription.

History

seal matrix

#

An engraved object used to impress a seal in wax or another material.

Charges

seax

#

A single-edged knife or short sword, notably found in certain English civic arms.

Language

seeded

#

Having the centre or seed of a heraldic flower separately described.

Language

sejant

#

Sitting with the haunches on the ground.

Language

sejant erect

#

Sitting while holding the forequarters upright.

Language

semy

#

Strewn with repeated small charges over a field.

Language

serpentine

#

Following a sinuous or winding outline, used for a partition or ordinary and not necessarily identical to a conventional wavy line.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

shamrock

#

A three-leaved clover or trefoil associated especially with Ireland, used as a heraldic charge.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

History

sigillography

#

The scholarly study of seals, their inscriptions, images, production and use.

Geometry

sinister

#

The bearer's left, appearing on the viewer's right.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Geometry

sinister base

#

The lower corner on the bearer's left, appearing at the viewer's lower right.

Geometry

sinister chief

#

The upper corner on the bearer's left, appearing at the viewer's upper right.

Language

slipped

#

Of a plant or flower, shown with a short stem.

Research

source-to-claim mapping

#

Recording precisely which evidence supports each historical claim.

Charges

sprig

#

A small branch or spray bearing leaves, flowers or fruit of a stated kind.

Comparative

Stadtwappen

#

German word for a town's or city's arms.

Charges

stag

#

A male deer with antlers used as a heraldic animal.

Tinctures

stain

#

A category used by some writers for additional tinctures; its contents are not universal.

Anatomy

standard

#

A long flag historically displaying heraldic colours, badges or a motto.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Language

statant

#

Standing on all available feet.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

stemma

#

Italian for a coat of arms or emblem, including personal and civic usage.

Comparative

stemma civico

#

Italian expression for civic or municipal arms.

Geometry

subordinary

#

A smaller conventional geometric figure, such as an orle or canton.

Comparative

sukuvaakuna

#

Finnish for family arms, distinct from civic or state bearings.

Anatomy

supporters

#

Figures supporting or flanking the shield, governed by differing entitlements and customs.

Documentary examples · 3

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Anatomy

surcoat

#

A garment worn over armour that could display armorial devices.

Comparative

szlachta

#

Historical Polish nobility, with distinctive social and armorial traditions.

Anatomy

tabard

#

An armorial garment worn by a herald to signify the sovereign or office represented.

Charges

tankard

#

A handled drinking vessel shown as a heraldic charge, sometimes employed in canting arms.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

tau cross

#

A cross in the shape of the capital letter T, sometimes associated with Saint Anthony.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Tinctures

tenné

#

An uncommon orange-brown stain or tincture whose depiction differs among authorities.

Charges

thistle

#

A prickly flowering plant associated with Scottish symbolism.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Tinctures

tincture

#

A heraldic colour, metal, or fur.

Anatomy

torse

#

A twisted cloth wreath placed over the helm and beneath the crest.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Research

transcription

#

A written rendering of an original document, distinct from translation.

Charges

trefoil

#

A three-lobed plant-like charge resembling a clover leaf.

Geometry

undy

#

A traditional alternative term for a gently waving heraldic partition line.

Language

unguled

#

Having the hooves of a specified tincture.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

unicorn

#

A mythical one-horned creature, often shown with distinctive heraldic features.

Comparative

vaakuna

#

Finnish word for coat of arms, used in several compound expressions.

Tinctures

vair

#

A stylized heraldic fur with recurring bell-shaped pieces, commonly alternating blue and white.

Tinctures

vair en point

#

A variant of vair with bell-shaped pieces aligned point to point.

Tinctures

vair in pale

#

A variation of vair arranged with the recurring shapes in vertical columns.

Language

vambraced

#

Of a human arm, wearing armour for the forearm, especially a vambrace.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

vapen

#

Swedish word for heraldic arms, depending on context.

Comparative

vapenbrev

#

Swedish term for an armorial document, whose authority must be assessed historically.

Comparative

vapensköld

#

Swedish term for a heraldic shield.

Research

variant reading

#

Textual differences between separate manuscripts or editions.

Research

verso

#

The reverse side of a manuscript leaf, often abbreviated 'v'.

Tinctures

vert

#

The heraldic colour green.

Documentary examples · 2

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Practice

visitation

#

An examination and recording of pedigrees and arms by authorized heraldic officers.

Geometry

voided

#

Of a charge, represented mainly as an outline through which its background remains visible.

Language

volant

#

Flying, used particularly of a bird with extended wings.

Language

vulned

#

Shown wounded, usually with visible blood.

Comparative

wapenbeschrijving

#

Dutch term for a description of heraldic arms; an individual document's legal effect must be assessed separately.

Comparative

Wappen

#

German word for coat of arms, applicable to several types of armiger.

Documentary example · 1

Related: Wappenrolleburgher coat of arms

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

Wappenannahme

#

German for the assumption or adoption of arms, not necessarily a grant.

Documentary example · 1

Related: assumption of armsWappen

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

Wappenbeschreibung

#

German for the formal written description of a coat of arms, often supplied with a registration.

Documentary example · 1

Related: blazonWappenrolle

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

Wappenbrief

#

German for a written instrument recording or conferring arms.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Comparative

Wappenbuch

#

German for an armorial book or compilation, not necessarily an official register.

Comparative

Wappenrolle

#

German for a roll or register of arms, which may be privately maintained.

Documentary example · 1

Related: WappenWappenbeschreibungWappenbrief

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

water bouget

#

Two water containers suspended from a carrying yoke.

Research

watermark

#

A pattern formed in paper manufacture useful for dating and identifying paper stocks.

Language

wavy

#

A gently undulating line or edge used in divisions or figures.

Documentary example · 1

Source links document a usage or context, not a complete historical definition or independent specialist review.

Charges

wheel

#

A circular spoked object appearing in civic, craft and personal arms.

Language

wings addorsed

#

Of a pair of wings, shown back to back.

Language

wings displayed

#

Wings spread so that both are clearly visible.

Charges

wolf

#

A canine heraldic charge shown in various attitudes.

Anatomy

wreath

#

The torse, usually comprising alternating twists of two tinctures.

Charges

wyvern

#

A two-legged dragon-like creature in much English heraldic convention.

Charges

yale

#

A fantastical beast with horns, whose artistic depiction varies.

Comparative

zawołanie

#

Polish term associated with heraldic calls, proclamations or group designations.

Words change across borders.

These are concise original editorial explanations, not a substitute for the language of a particular grant or statute. Historical terminology can differ significantly among French, German, Polish, Japanese and English contexts. Our comparative entries are working translations, not claims that all systems follow the same law of arms. Consult the original-language source atlas and official authorities. Canadian heraldic dictionary ↗