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Heraldry Dictionary
Below is a comprehensive description of Heraldry symbols that you generally see on Coat of Arms products
Acorn The sign of the acorn has
traditionally been used to indicate independence in its bearer. It can be found slipped and leaved; the
acorn-sprig is not uncommon as a crest and acorn-cups are represented alone. The acorn is usually vert (green) but it can
also be other colours. Allocamelus An allocamelus is a creature with
the head of a donkey joined to the body of a camel. It is extremely uncommon. Amphiptere An amphiptere is a winged serpent
found very rarely in heraldry, though it does exist as a supporter and as a
charge on a shield occasionally. Amphisboena An amphisboena is a winged serpent
with two legs and a head at both ends of its body; however the drawing of this
creature does not strictly follow this description. It is very uncommon in heraldry. Anchor The anchor is the emblem of
salvation and hope. It is also an appropriate device for the coat of arms of a
family with a seafaring tradition. It is
a common figure in the English armour, which is not surprising given that Annulet The annulet is a plain ring. As a closed circle, it is symbolic of
continuity and wholeness. The Romans are
said to have worn a ring as a sign of knighthood and rings are still used at
some coronations and in the institution of knighthood. The annulet may have been borne to indicate
that the bearer had the superior qualities of a knight. In some circles an annulet represented
riches. On English arms an annulet was a
mark of cadency signifying the fifth son. Ant The symbol of the ant
traditionally signified one who was a strong labourer, wise and provident in
all his affairs. The ant is not a very
common symbol in heraldry, but when depicted the ant is usually accompanied by
a drawing of an anthill. The ant may also
be referred to as an emmet. Antelope The antelope which is also
referred to as an ibex or a springbok has three main symbolic meanings. It represents someone who is skilful at music
and a lover of harmony, someone with a keen mind for politics and the ability
to foresee times and opportunities well, and lastly, a person who is unwilling
to assail his enemies rashly, who would prefer to stand his ground than risk
harming another wrongfully. Thus the
antelope signifies harmony, polity and peace.
The antelope has also been used occasionally as an emblem of purity and
fleetness. Early representations of the
antelope did not look much like the real animal, as they were likely drawn from
descriptions. That figure is now
referred to as a heraldic antelope, as opposed to the later version, which has
a more natural aspect. Antique Crown The crown is an emblem of victory,
sovereignty, and empire. It is a visible
sign of success, thus the term ‘crowning achievement’, and its significance as
the decoration of the ultimate level of rank and power, makes bearing the crown
a great honour. Crowns are also symbols
of God, as he is considered by some to be the ‘King of all’. The word crown, blazoned without any
additional details, usually implies a ducal coronet without a cap. The eastern or antique crown has a gold rim
with eight sharp, triangular rays, only five of which are seen. It is given to British subjects who have
distinguished themselves in service in the East and it is also often born by
merchants, the association being that they are like the magi. Towns where these merchants had had a
long-standing trade also often adopted eastern crowns into their arms. Anvil The symbol of the anvil borne on a
shield or coat of arms indicates that the first bearer was a smith. It is rarely found as a charge on a shield. Ape The ape is a symbol of sin,
malice, craftiness and lust. It is
thought to have indicated a moral obligation on the part of the bearer to
conquer all sins, and been a reminder of one’s morals, ethics and
religion. The ape is not a very common
symbol in heraldry but when it is found it is usually ‘collared and chained’,
with the collar encircling its waist rather than its neck. It is found as a
charge on shields and crests, and also as a supported in coats of arms. A story exists that centuries ago, Thomas,
the infant son of Maurice Fitzgerald, was snatched from his cradle by a tame
ape, carried to the edge of the battlements at the top of the castle and safely
retuned to his cradle. The Fitzgerald
crest commemorates this even with the image of an ape. Apples Apples signify liberality,
felicity, peace and salvation. Fruit of
all kinds was considered to be evidence of God’s kindness and a symbol of the
goodness of providence. Apre The apre or après is an imaginary
creature with a body that resembles a bull and the tail of a bear. It is extremely uncommon. Arrow The arrow is said to be a weapon
‘destined for avengement’. Arrows and
arrowheads alone symbolize martial readiness.
In the case of Polish armoury, bows and arrows signify a man resolved to
challenge himself to the utmost in battle, and who has prepared himself to the
fall in the fight. The pheon is as
specific type of arrowhead of ancient origin, made of fine steel. It is a cleverly designed weapon that was
very dangerous since it has a barbed inner edge that makes extraction
difficult. It symbolizes dexterity and
nimbleness of wit, as people with these traits are able to penetrate and
understand complicated problems.
Arrowheads without barbs, but still having space between the shaft and
the arrow itself, are termed ‘broad arrows’ and this distinction is very
stringently adhered to. Devices
associated with warfare and military defence are frequently found in heraldry. Badger The badger is an animal noted for
his fierceness and courage in fighting to defend his home. The image of the badger is a symbol of
bravery, perseverance and protection. It
is not a common symbol in heraldry; however, it is a typically English one. Bagwyn The bagwyn is an imaginary animal
with a head drawn like a heraldic antelope, the body and tail of a horse and
the horns long and curved backwards. It
is not commonly found in heraldry. Balance (Scales) Balances have traditionally been a
symbol of justice. They are still used
today as a symbol of an unbiased court system. Banner The banner is a sign of victory
and self-assertion. Banners borne on the
shield or as a crest are often references to a special military action where a
flag was captured, otherwise an indication of gallant service. Banners may also indicate that a member of
that family was once a standard-bearer.
There are very specific guidelines on the size of a banner designated
for each rank, though it is doubtful whether they were followed very
closely. The principle distinction
between a banner and a flag, standard of pennon etc, is that a banner is always
square while the others are elongated.
As a charge the banner is usually hung from the battlements of a castle
or carried by the figure of some creature, such as the paschal lamb (a holy
lamb with a halo), which is nearly always depicted with a banner. Barrel Barrels, casks or tuns were used
to hold beer or wine. It is probably
borne on arms to indicate that the original bearer was a vendor of beer or
wine, or an innkeeper. It is usually
figured lengthways, but if blazoned a hogshead or a tub it should maybe be
drawn upright. It is often used as a pun
on names ending in ‘ton’, for example the crest of ‘Hopton’ depicts a lion
hopping on a tun. Bars A bar is the diminutive of a
fesse, which is a wide horizontal stripe in the centre of a shield. The rules of heraldry strictly state that
there cannot be more than one fesse on a shield so if two charges with this
character occur they are called bars and a single bar is narrower than a
fesse. Narrow, horizontal bars across a
shield is said to be an appropriate device for one ‘who sets the bars of
conscience, religion, and honour against angry passions and evil
temptations.’ The diminutive of the bar
is the barrulet, which is almost always born in a pair of two barrulets, placed
close together, referred to as one bar gemel.
Bars gamel were awarded for acts of particular bravery in times of
war, and a field composed of an even
number of bars between four and eight is described as ‘barry’, with the exact
number specified; with en or more it is called ‘barruly’. Bat The bat was an intimidating
heraldic symbol used to inspire fear in enemies. It is usually represented displayed, with
wings open and facing the observer. It
is sometimes blazoned by the old name rere-mouse. Quoted from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night
Dream, ‘Some war with rere-mice for their leathern wings. Battering Ram The
battering ram is an ancient war machine that is a symbol of determination,
especially in war. The image of the
battering ram may have also been granted to someone, who was greatly skilled it
its use, or who was in charge of it during wartime. It is not a device found frequently in
heraldry and it does not resemble a real battering ram either. It consists of a ram’s head on the end of a
log, with ropes encircling it and hooks attached to them, presumably to hold it
up. The battle-axe is a symbol of
authority and of the execution of military duty. The battle-axe denoted a warlike quality in
its bearer. The battle-axe was a veering
introduced to heraldry as a token of the crusades, which began shortly after
the rise of heraldry itself. Though
other axes are used as devices in heraldry, the battle-axe is distinct because
of its blade that it firmly mounted on the shaft and penetrates though it to
the other side. It is a common symbol on
a crest. Beacon The beacon or cresset was an alarm
signal placed on high hills, church towers or city gates. On crests it is drawn as an elevated basket
overflowing with flames. It was the
watchman’s duty to fire it if he saw that the next nearest had been fired. Thus the warning of an enemy’s approach was
conveyed inland from the coast with great rapidity. In heraldry, the beacon signifies one who is
watchful, or who gives the signal in times of danger. The hand beacon or pitch pot and the lantern
are also symbols that represent spiritual illumination. The metaphorical association is derived from
the fact that the light was used for finding one’s way in the dark. It may also indicate that the bearer was in
charge of warning beacons. Bear The bear was thought to possess
diplomacy equal to its great strength and it is the emblem of ferocity in the
protection of kindred. A bear is also a
symbol of healing and personal health, strength and bravery. Bears are often in the arms of names that
sound somewhat like the animal such as Baring and Barnes. The bear is usually muzzled but not
always. Bears’ paws are also often found
as crests or symbols on shields. Beaver The beaver denotes industry,
perseverance and determination. It was
officially adopted as Bee The bee is a sign of industry,
creativity, wealth, diligence and eloquence.
The Egyptians used it as a symbol of regal power. In armoury, it is used to represent
well-governed industry. The Emperor
Napoleon gave the bee considerable importance in the French armoury by adopting
it as his personal badge. They also
appeared on the mantle and pavilion around the armorial bearings of the empire,
as well as on his coronation mantle. The
bee is undoubtedly the most popular insect found in heraldry, and even the
beehive occurs often as a crest. Bell Bells signify the supposed power
of church-bells to disperse evil spirits in the air and their invocation of
guardian saints and angels. A hawk’s
bell would denote one who feared not to signal his approach in either peace or
war. A Bend The bend is a broad, diagonal band
across the shield representing either a scarf worn like a sash, or the shield
suspender of a knight or military commander.
It has often been granted to those who have distinguished themselves as
commodores. The bend signifies defence
or protection, and is a bearing of high honour.
Unless it is sp0ecified otherwise the bend is assumed to go from the
upper right corner of a shield to the lower left. The bend sinister follows the opposite
diagonal. According to old theorists the
bend should occupy one third of the surface of a shield, though it is usually
drawn slightly more narrowly than this.
A charge half the width of a bend id termed a bendlet, and if six or
eight of these pieces occurs on a shield it is termed ‘bendy’, though the mark
of illegitimacy though the number must be specified. The bend sinister has been used occasionally
as a mark of illegitimacy though this is not commonly the case. More often a bendlet sinister is used, or a
baton sinister, which is a bendlet that does not extern to the very edges of
the shield. Bezant The bezant was the coin of Billet The billet represents a letter
folded for transmission. It has the form
of a plain rectangle and it occurs more frequently when a field of a superior
charge is described as billette or seme, which means that there are many small
billets distributed over it, alternating in the pattern of bricks. It may indicate that the man granted a coat
of arms with this charge was a man whose words and deeds were deemed
trustworthy. It has also been suggested
that lawyers and men of letters often adopted the sign of the billet. The best-known instance where this charge was
used was in the shield borne overt he arms of Boar The boar and its various parts are
frequently met with in heraldry. The
boar is the symbol of intrepidness. A
champion among wild beasts, he encounters enemies with nobility and courage,
and has thus come to signify the traits of bravery and perseverance. The boar is a fierce combatant when at bay
and never ceases to resist, even when cornered.
This device was given only to those considered fierce warriors. A wild boar is referred to as a sanglier
though there isn’t actually any difference from a domestic boar in the way that
it is drawn. A Boar may be drawn whole
in various different positions or couped. Books If open, as in the arms of the Bordure The bordure is, as it sounds, a
fairly wide border around the outside of a shield. Except for in more modern grants where the
bordure is an original part of the shield, there is little doubt that the
bordure is either a mark of cadency, displaying eh status of a younger son or
brother, or a mark of illegitimacy. The
bordure is no longer used for these purposes; except for in Bucket Though their appearance is quite
different, the function and symbolic meaning of a water-bouget and a bucket are
similar. A water-bouget is a bag made
from the skin of a goat or sheep what was used for carrying water on military
expeditions. The apparatus looks like a
yoke with two large bags hanging down from it and a stick that goes through
both attachments to form handles on either side. The drawing evolved over time and its latest
form is more symbolic than realistically drawn.
Water-bougets and buckets were conferred on those who had supplied water
to an army of a besieged place. The
bucket is merely the more modern way of transporting water. The common well bucket is usually the type
born in arms, but they can also be hooped or have feet. They are also sometimes blazoned dossers, a
term that indicates two buckets hooked to a loop and carried over the back of a
pack animal. Buckle The buckle signifies self-defence
and protection, as well as victorious fidelity in authority. The buckle appears quite often in heraldry,
sometimes oval shaped, circular of square; they are most often shaped like a
heraldic lozenge, though, or a diamond with sides of equal length, especially
in the armoury of the continent,. A
buckle occurs in the arms of the Prussian Counts of Wallenrodt, and it is used
as a badge by the Earls of Yarborough and Bull A bull in a coat of arms, on a
crest or a shield, represents valour and magnanimity, bravery and
generosity. The horns represent strength
and fortitude. Oxen, and cows also
appear on some crests and arms, although rarely and more often as a pun on a
names such as Caltrap A Caltrap of gal trap, and
sometimes a cheval trap, was an ancient military instrument with four points,
arranged so that when it was thrown on the ground, it always landed on three of
the four points, with the fourth pointing up.
Caltraps were scattered in the path of an enemy to impede and endanger
the horses. The emblem of the Caltrap
indicates a fierce warrior in battle. Camel The camel signifies temperance,
patience and perseverance. In ancient
times it may have been used as a sign of royalty and dignity. The camel is blazoned on very few arms. Camelopard The medieval name for an ordinary
giraffe was a camelopard. It was a
widely held belief that crosses between animals existed, just as the mule
existed and was a cross between a horse and a donkey. The camel and the leopard were well known
animals at that time and it was likely that a crusader in the east saw an
unknown animal and either he accounted for it this way or it was theorized far
away at home, that the giraffe was the creature that was begotten by a leopard
and a camel. The scarcity of these
animals was further explained by the knowledge that such hybrids, like the
mule, can not reproduce. The
camelopardel is like a camelopard with the addition of tow long horns curved
backwards. Castle The castle has often been granted
to one who has faithfully held a castle for his sovereign, or who has captured
on by force or stratagem. The castle
signifies spiritual power and vigilance on the watch as well as home and
safety. The tower is very similar to
this and is an emblem of grandeur and society.
It is a symbol of defence and of a steadfast individual. The visual difference between a tower and a
castle is that a tower is a single column topped by a turret, and a castle usually
has two towers joined by a wall with a door in it. This was a distinction that was rarely
observed in ancient days, but now it is faithfully adhered to. When smaller towers surmount either a castle
or a tower it is called ‘triple-towered’. Cat A symbol of a great cat, or a
cat-a-mountain, which refers to a wildcat, signifies liberty, vigilance and
courage. There is also a separate
reference to as spotted cat. Cats can be
in many different positions like the lion, but they are most often blazoned
passant, walking with right forepaw raised.
A cat-a-mountain is supposed to always be guardant, or on guard, with
the head completely facing the observer.
Cats are most common in Scottish or Irish arms. Celestial Crown The crown is an emblem of victory,
sovereignty, and empire. It is a visible
sign of success thus the term ‘crowning achievements’ and its significance as
the decoration of the ultimate level of rank and power, makes bearing he crown
a great honour. Crowns are also
sometimes symbols of God, as he is considered by some to be the ‘King of
all’. The word crown, blazoned without
any additional details, usually implies a ducal coronet without a cap. The celestial crown closely resembles and
eastern crown, having eight sharp, triangular rays, only five of which are seen
m, with the addition of a five-pointed star on each ray. It was an ornament that frequently
represented the achievements of deceased ladies and it was also often given to
people or institutions connected with the church. Centaur Centaurs are well known creatures
that are half man and half horse. A
centaur carrying a bow and arrow is called a Sagittarius. Both the Sagittarius and the centaur are
quite common in heraldry, especially on the continent. King Stephen is said to have assumed the
symbol of Sagittarius because the sun was in that sign when he ascended the
throne. The centaur is a symbol of virility
and one who has been eminent in the field of battle. Chains Chains are a symbolic
representation of reward for acceptable and weighty service. They are frequently met with in continental
heraldry, particularly in southern Chaplet A chaplet is a wreath without
stems or ribbon, made of oak, laurel or other leaves, and carrying flowers,
usually roses. It is a symbol of fame
and is frequently part of a crest. There
is also a chaplet that looks like a plain, broad circlet, charged at four
regular intervals with stars, roses or other objects. A chaplet of oak and acorns is called a civic
crown, but more frequently the chaplet is synonymous with wreath or garland,
which is commonly made of laurel and roses. Chess-rook A chess-rook is also called a
castle, and may have been granted to those who had captured or defended
castles. It may also have denoted one
who was skilful in influencing others to act to his own benefit, as the chess
player moves his pieces in the game. It
is an ancient bearing and it also occurs quite frequently. It is a device used by the Earls of Rochford. Chevron The chevron occurs very frequently
in British and French heraldry, and is comparatively rare in German
heraldry. The chevron represents the foot
of a house, derived from the French work ‘chevron’ meaning rafter. It signifies protection. The chevron was granted to those who had participated
in some notable enterprise, had built churches or fortresses, or had
accomplished some work requiring faithful service. The chevron used to almost reach the very top
of the shield and then more nearly attained the 1/3 of the surface of the shield
that was allotted to it by the guidelines of heraldry. Now it is drawn lower and with a less acute
inner angle to allow more devices to be represented more attractively, and an
artist may draw the chevron at the height and angle that will best suit the
accompanying charges. The chevronel, is
a diminutive of the chevron and is much narrower. Chevronels may be stacked on top of each
other or side-by-side at the same height, which is termed, interlaced or
braced. A field composed entirely of an
even number of chevrons is called ‘chevronny’. Chief The chief is a broad band across
the top of the shield that stands for authority and domination of will. The chief has often been granted as a special
reward for prudence and wisdom, as well as for successful command in war. The chief theoretically contains the upper
1/3 of the shield, although it rarely actually does. The chief is never surmounted by any other
ordinary (a simple background symbol) except for in very exceptional
cases. A chief is also never couped (cut
off before reaching the edges of the shield) or cottised (surrounded closely by
smaller bars), and it has no diminutive. Chimera The chimera is a very odd looking
creature with the head abreast of a woman, the forepaws of a lion, the body of
a goat, the hind-legs of a griffin (the legs of a lion and claws of an eagle),
and the tail of a dragon. It is not
found it heraldry very often and is not unlike the sphinx in many ways. Cloud The cloud, the symbol of the
ethereal heights of heaven, represents the quality of higher truth. They are very seldom used as bearings on arms
but quite frequently arms are represented as issuing from them, particularly in
French arms. Cock As the herald of the dawn, the
cock is symbolic of the sun. It is also
a bird of great courage in battle that will fight, if necessary, to the
death. Therefore, it is an emblem of
vigilance and courage. The cock is also
used as a Christian image of the resurrection.
The gamecock in heraldry refers to a slightly different symbol of a cock
without its comb and wattles, as was the case when birds were prepared for
cockfighting. This symbol is less
common, though, than a regular domestic cock. Cockatrice The cockatrice is a fabulous king
of serpents, with the head and legs of a cock, the wings of a dragon, and a
scaly body, also like a dragon, that flows into a long barbed tail. It can also be called a basilisk, of which
legends say was produced from an egg laid by a nine-year-old cock, and hatched
by a toad on a dunghill. Its breath and
sight were so poisonous that they would kill all who came within range. Thus, the cockatrice is a potent symbol of
terror. The heraldic basilisk is
supposed to have a tail that terminates in the head of a dragon, though if such
an example exists, it is very uncommon. Cockfish The cockfish is drawn very much as
it sounds with the head and upper-body of a cock terminating in the lower-body
and tail of a fish. It is a very
uncommon symbol in heraldry. Column Columns symbolize fortitude and
constancy. It is a metaphorical heraldic
device, implying that its bearer supports others who are weaker. A serpent coiled round a column signifies
wisdom with fortitude. Columns, also
called pillars, commonly resemble ones of the Tuscan order bur are often
otherwise specified. Plain Norman shafts
with cushion capitals can also be found.
The capital, the base and the pedestal are sometimes mentioned in the
blazon. Comb The comb is the common attribute
of certain mythical female beings such as lamias, sirens, and mermaids, whose
usual pose is with mirror and comb in hand.
It have sometimes been given to those
who were said to have fought or resisted the temptations of such dangerous
types, but heraldry the comb more often refers to a wool-comb or the combs used
in the textile industry, which is not an uncommon heraldic device. The comb with no other specification in the
blazon is drawn like a capital ‘I’ on its side with teeth filling in both sides
of the spine. The wool-comb, also called
a jersey-comb or a flax-comb, looks like a small rake. Another type is the currycomb, though this is
exceptionally uncommon and has no definite representation. Cottise A cottise, or cottice, is a
diminutive of an ordinary such as a bend, a pale or a fess, ¼ of the width of
that ordinary. It never exists alone,
but accompanies one of the ordinaries at all times. An ordinary is said to be cottised when it is
set between a pair of cotises and an ordinary may be double or treble cottised
with two or three cotises on either side.
The cotises emphasize the significance of the ordinary and are usually
applied to a bend. Crab The crab is a symbol of great
strength and power in gripping and holding.
It occurs on the coats of arms of several families. The sign of the lobster is also a symbol of
prodigious gripping and holding power in its bearer and the symbols of its
claws occur in arms more frequently than its entire body. Allied to these two charges is the crayfish,
which is also referred to as a crevice. Crane According to legend, cranes lived
in a community in where individual members took turns standing watch. The sentry crane held a stone in one claw so
that if it dozed, the falling stone would wake the bird. The crane is a symbol of vigilance, justice
and longevity, but nevertheless, there are instances where the crane is depicted
dormant (asleep) with its head under its wing, still holding its ‘vigilance’,
as the stone is termed. The stork and
the heron, also called a Crescent The crescent stands for one who
has been ‘enlightened and honoured by the gracious aspect of his
sovereign’. It is also borne as a symbol
of the hope of greater glory. Knights returning
from the crusades introduced the crescent, the badge of Islam, into the
language of heraldry. The heraldic
crescent has a very deep base and curving horns that quickly sharpen to point
close together. Crescents also represent
the moon that lights the night sky for travellers, though it does not resemble
the shape of a crescent moon very closely.
In English arms it’s was also a mark of cadency signifying the second
son. The reversed crescent is a crescent
with the horns turned down. The term
increscent indicates a crescent with the horns facing the observer’s left, and
decrescent is a crescent facing the observer’s right. Crocodile The crocodile was a mysterious and
legendary beast to most people in ancient times and it was a powerful emblem of
fury and power. The uncertainty of the
drawings means that in reference to the symbol, crocodile is frequently
interchanged with alligator. It occurs
as a crest and a supporter but is, nevertheless, an uncommon heraldic charge. Crown The crown is an emblem of victory,
sovereignty, and empire. It is a visible
sign of success, thus the term ‘crowning achievement’, and its significance as
the decoration of the ultimate level of rank and power, makes bearing the crown
a great honour. Crowns are sometimes a
symbol of God, as he is considered by some to be the ‘King of all’. The word crown blazoned without any
additional details usually implies a ducal coronet without a cap. Crown Vallary The crown is an emblem of victory,
sovereignty, and empire. It is a visible
sign of success, thus the term ‘crowning achievement’, and its significance as
the decoration of the ultimate level of rank and power, makes bearing the crown
a great honour. Crowns are sometimes a
symbol of God, as he is considered by some to be the ‘King of all’. The word crown blazoned without any additional
details usually implies a ducal coronet without a cap. A crown palisade is the name of a crown with
palisades on the rim forming the spikes of the crown. This can either look like the pickets of a
fence, or less correctly, like the silhouette of small houses side by side with
every other one upside down, with the roof of each upside down one cut out of
the metal. The latter description is
called a champagne border. It is said
that Roman Generals awarded the crown palisado to the one who entered the camp
of the enemy first after breaking thorough their outworks. It is also called a crown vallary from the
Latin vallus, which roughly translates to palisade. Cup In the heraldic tradition, the
vase and similar vessels are considered symbols of fertility. The cup, covered or uncovered, is also
sometimes representative of the chalice used in the communion or the Cushions Cushions have been looked on as
marks of authority, and have been borne by several noble families. Cushions appear in heraldry more often that
one might think. They actually appear to
be quit e ancient symbols, especially in Scottish heraldry. The Earls of Moray bore cushions on their
arms for example. Dog The dog is the emblem of
faithfulness and guardianship. Dogs were
considered loyal and temperate and the dog is a symbol of a skilled hunter. It was also associated with priests since
priests were watchdogs against the devil.
There are several differently named dogs blazoned on coats of arms. The leverer or levrier is the oldest name;
the Talbot is and English hound. Also
found are bloodhounds, greyhounds, mastiffs, spaniels and terriers. Dogs are symbols of courage, vigilancy and
loyal fidelity. Dolphin The dolphin is an emblem of safe
travel, as well as kindness and charity.
Though the dolphin is now known to be a mammal and not a fish at all,
older heralds considered it the king of fish, just as the lion was king of the
beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds.
From the 13th century onwards the dolphin was the badge of
the Dove The dove is a symbol of the soul
and of the Holy Spirit. It signifies
peace, gentleness and purity. In
armoury, the dove signifies loving constancy and peace. In heraldry the dove has one interesting
peculiarity: it is always depicted with a slight tuft on its head, possible to
distinguish it from a woodpigeon, which is very much like it. Many examples exist of a dove with an olive
branch in its beak and an ordinary heraldic dove is represented with its wings
close holding sprig. It can also be
found, though, Volant and with its wings outstretched. The dove is frequently found in the arms
granted to Bishops, and it was a symbol used by St. Edward the Confessor, and
ancient high king of Dragon A dragon is supposed to have a
keen sight, which enables it to guard treasures well. It is also said to be the most valiant of
creatures; therefore, the dragon is a symbol of a most valiant defender of
treasure. Dragons were perceived as
powerful, protective, and with barbed tongues and have wings like bats with the
ribs extending to the very edge of the skin.
Great differences can be found in the way their ears are drawn and in
almost all modern representations the tail is barbed, though the dragons of the
Tudor period in Duck Ducks can elude their enemies in
many ways, either by flying, running, swimming or diving for cover; therefore,
they are a symbol for a person of many resources. Ducks may be referred to by many names such
as drake, mallard, teal, eider-duck, moorhen, and Sheldrake. They all refer to the same symbol, though,
except for the shoveller or sholarde, which is distinguished by a tuft on the
back of its head and its breast. In
addition, the gannet is a duck represented without beak or kegs. Like the martlet, a footless swallow, the
gannet is held to be a good bearing for one who is ‘prompt and ready in the
dispatch of his business’. The gannet
may also represent one who has to ‘subsist bye the wings of his virtue and
merit’ being unable to rest on land. Eagle The eagle was a symbol born by men
of action, occupied with high and weighty affairs. It was given to those of lofty spirit,
ingenuity, speed in comprehension, and discrimination in matters of
ambiguity. The wings signify protection,
and the gripping talons symbolize ruin to evildoers. The eagle is held to represent a noble nature
from its strength and aristocratic appearance, as well as its association with
the ancient kings of Elephant The elephant is a symbol of huge
strength and stature, wisdom and courage.
It is a very appropriate bearing for those who have distinguished
themselves in the East. The elephant’s
head or tusks are more common that the whole elephant, but even this can be
fund on some crests and in coats of arms. Enfield The Escallop The escallop is one of the most
widely used heraldic symbols in all countries.
Before the days of heraldry the symbol was the emblem of St. James, the
patron saint of pilgrims and consequently the escallop was introduced into
armoury to signify a soldier who had make long journeys or voyages to far
countries, borne considerable naval command, or gained great victories. It is an emblem of safe travel and is found on
the shields of many families during the time of the crusades. Because its shells, once separated, can never
be rejoined, the escallop is also an emblem of fidelity. Escarbuncle The escarbuncle is a symbol of
supremacy and it is an interesting example of a charge developed by the
evolution of the shield itself. In
ancient warfare iron bands stemming from the centre and radiating outwards were
used to strengthen the shield for better protection in battle. Over time the pattern made by these brands
was adopted as a charge and called in heraldic terms an escarbuncle. However, it is also accepted as a
representation of a brilliant gem. Eye An eye signifies the providence in
government. Fasces The Roman fasces, or lictors’ rods
is a bundle of polished rods bound around a battle-axe. AW lector was a civil officer who attended
and carried the faces before a Roman consul, both to indicate his status as an
important person and to clear a way through the crowds. Thus, it indicated a superior magistrate, but
it also symbolized the power over life and death that he might have, for
example, as a judge. In heraldry, this
symbol of magisterial office was often included in grants of arms to Mayors and
Lord Mayors. Falcon The falcon or hawk signifies
someone who was hot or eager in the pursuit of an object much desired. It is frequently found in the coats of arms
of nobility, form the time when the falcon played an important social role in
the sport of kings and nobles. It is
found as a heraldic bearing as early as the reign of King Edward II of Feathers Feathers are a very common charge
in heraldry, which is not surprising considering that during a tournament
helmets were more frequently ornamented with feathers that with family
crests. Consequently, the plume became
the actual, inheritable family crest for many families. Feathers signify willing obedience and
serenity of mind. A plume is a term
usually reserved for a grouping of five or more feathers. If they are a\arranged in two rows it is
called a double plume, and in three a triple plume, etc. The feathers commonly used were ostrich
feathers, though on crests they can appear in many shapes and colours’ for
example, the badge worn by John of Gaunt was an ermine ostrich feather. Peacock continental heraldry feathers often
adorn the sides of crests as well as appear as more central charges. When a feather is crossed at the quill by a
scroll of parchment it is called an escrol.
The is the device that appears on the shields of the Edward the Black
Prince, the son and heir of King Edward III, who bore three escrols on a field
of black. Three feathers encircled by a
coronet is the current badge of the Prince of Wales, as it has been since the
time of Henry VIII. Fer de Moline A fer de Moline, or mill-rind is
the iron clamp in the centre of a grindstone that provides support. It represents industry and purpose and may
also have been used as the sign of a miller.
The mill-rind is also symbolized by the Cross Moline, or ‘miller’s
cross’. Fesse The fesse is a broad, horizontal
band across the centre of the shield that represents the military belt and
girdle of honour of the ancients. It
signifies that the bearer must always be in readiness to act for the well being
of the people. It is supposed to occupy
a full third of the height of the shield, though it is seldom drawn this way,
and it is subject to the lines of partition.
Its position is directly across the centre of the shield unless the
fesse is described as enhanced or abased.
There can only be one fesse on a shield.
If more that one is present they are termed bars. Fetterlock Some state that the fetterlock is a device for hobbling horses while others say that it is a handcuff or a prisoner’s bolt. Whatever the case, it is an emblem of victory. The fetter lock is as honourable bearing that may have represented someone in the middle Ages who had taken his enemy prisoner, or who could, by either his prowess or his charity, redeem any of his fellow soldiers ransomed in captivity. It is also referred to by the names of shacklebolt, shackbolt or manacle.< |
