Ms. Thompson's World History
?Please note that the following descriptions and meanings are gleaned from a variety of sources, some of which disagree on those meanings. The most commonly accepted meanings are given, but scholars vary in the their opinions concerning the reliability of?any?"commonly held" historic meanings for coats of arms and crests.Even the colors can have special meaning in a "family crest" or coat of arms:Gold (Or)Generosity and elevation of the mindSilver or White (Argent)Peace and sincerityRed (Gules)Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimityBlue (Azure)Truth and loyaltyGreen (Vert)Hope, joy, and loyalty in loveBlack (Sable)Constancy or griefPurple (Purpure)Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justiceOrange (Tawny or Tenne)Worthy ambitionMaroon (Sanguine or Murray)Patient in battle, and yet victoriousFURSThe mere fact that a shield or crest contains furs suggests a mark of dignity. Usually the fur coat of the weasel is represented.ErmineWhite with black spots.ErminoisGold with black spots.ErminesBlack with white spots.PeanBlack with gold spots.VairBlue and white bell-shaped objects.Heraldic Lines and Ordinaries:Nebuly LineClouds or airWavy LineSea or waterEngrailed LineEarth or landInvected LineEarth or landIndented LineFireDancette LineWaterRaguly LineDifficulties that have been encounteredEmbattled LineWalls of a fortress or town (also, fire)The following are some of the more common heraldic symbols and their meanings as suggested by some historians:Acacia Branch or LeavesEternal and affectionate remembranceAcornAntiquity and strength.Agricultural ToolsLabouring in the earth and depending upon providence; see also Scythe and SickleAnchorHope; religious steadfastnessAngelDignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful newsAnnulet(finger ring)?FidelityAntGreat labour, wisdom, and providence in one's affairsAntelope (heraldic)A mythical animal with the body of a stag, the tail of a unicorn, a tusk at the tip of the nose, tufts down the back of the neck, chest, and thighs (usually represented with two straight horns serrated on one side)AntlersStrength and fortitudeAnvilHonour; emblem of the smith's tradeAppleLiberality, felicity, and peaceArm in ArmourA person with qualities of leadershipArm, NakedAn industrious personArrowReadiness (for battle); if depicted with a cross, represents an afflictionAssPatience and humilityAxeExecution of military dutyBaguette (gem ring)FidelityBannersRefer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant serviceBar, Barry, or Barrulet"One who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honour against angry passions and evil temptations" acc. to GuillimBarry WavyTroubles keep us in continuous exercise and reminders of providence (as waves in a storm at sea)BatonToken of authorityBattle AxeExecution of military dutyBay LeavesPoet or victor's laurelBeaconOne who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of dangerBearStrength, cunning, ferosity in the protection of one's kindredBeaverIndustry and perseveranceBeeEfficient industryBellsPower to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or warBend?Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protectionBerriesLiberality, felicity, and peaceBillet/BilletteeBricks or letters (correspondence); one who obtained credence, knowledge, and faith in his words and deeds; one who is secret in one's affairsBishop's MitreAuthorityBlastedTree without leaves, witheredBoarBravery; fights to the deathBoar's HeadHospitalityBonacanBull with horse's tail and short maneBomb (Mortar piece)One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleBones (crossed thighbones)MortalityBookIf open, manifestation; if closed, counselBorderDifference between relatives bearing the same arms; also an augmentation of an honourBourdonSee pilgrim's or palmer's staff -- knob at upper end, point at bottom, hook near topBowReadiness (for battle)Bow and ArrowWar, power, ability to hit a targetBracedInterlacedBracketMay be single or double; right angle-shaped support, as in a shelf supportBridgeGovernor or magistrateBroom PlantHumilityBuckOne who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmonyBuckleVictorious fidelity in authorityBuglass (purple quatrefoil)Hope and joy.Bull/BuffaloValour, bravery, generosityBull's HornsStrength and fortitudeButterflyPsyche or SoulCaduceusHomeopathic medicine; medical profession; balance and the union of opposing forcesCamelDocility, patience, and perseveranceCannon and Cannon BallsOne who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleCandle (Lamp)Light, life, and spiritualityCantonAs in a flag borne at the top corner of the shield; reward from the sovereign for performance of eminent serviceCap of MaintenanceGranted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons (see "Chapeau")CarnationAdmirationCarpenter's SquareConforming one's actions to the laws of right and equityCastle (Tower/Chateau)SafetyCatLiberty, vigilance, forecast, and courageCentaurEminence in the field of battleChainsReward for acceptable and weighty service; with crowns and collars, this suggests the bearer bore the chain of obligation or obliged others because of services doneChapeauGranted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons (see also "cap of maintenance")Chaplet (Floral)Usually with green leaves and four roses: the crown of joy and admirationCherubDignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful newsChevron?Protection; Builders or others who have accomplished some work of faithful serviceChiefTop one-third of the shield; signifies dominion and authority; often granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom or successful command in warChough (Cornish Crow)Strategist in battle; watchful for friendsCinquefoils?Hope and joyCivic Wreath (of oak leaves and acorns)One who saved a fellow citizen's life or shown patriotism in defense of one's native landClarionReady for warClaw of a BirdNote the preyer that has been preyed uponCloudsMystery, obscured truthCock (male bird)Courage and perseverance; hero; able man in politicsCockatrice(small serpent)?Terror to all beholdersColumnFortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitudeCometUnknownCornish Chough (crow, raven)Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providenceCornucopia (horn of plenty)The bounty of nature's giftsCottice/Cotice (bendlet)Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protectionCoupeaux(Hills - usually three) Unknown; may be purely an artistic deviceCrane (Stork)Close parental bond; Vigilance if holding a rockCrescent?One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief)Cresset (Beacon)One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of dangerCrosier/shepherd's crookThe shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also Episcopal jurisdiction and authorityCrossFaith; service in the CrusadesCross (Celtic)Unity of heaven and earthCross (Constantine's; Labarum)?Good omen; ChristianityCross Crosslet(crossed at each end) Signifies the fourfold mystery of the crossCross Fitchee?(cross pointed at base) A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faithCross Flory(Patoncee)?(cross flowered at each end) One who has conqueredCross Formee (Pattee)Military honourCross (Maltese)(cross with eight points) Blessings; badge of Knights HospitalierCross Moline?The mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone)Cross Raguly?Difficulties encounteredCrossed thighbonesMortalityCrow (Cornish Chough)Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providenceCrownRoyal or seigniorial authorityCrown (Mural)Defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortressCrown (Naval)One who first boarded an enemy's ship; distinguished naval commanderCrown of thornsAdversityCup (covered)Office of the king's butlerCushionsAuthorityCygnet (young swan)Where gorged with a crown around its neck, signifies dignityCypressDeath and eternal life thereafterDagger or dartJustice and military honourDawle (black quatrefoil)Hope and joyDecrescentOne who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the sinister)DeerOne who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmonyDiceConstancyDogCourage, vigilance, and loyaltyDolphinSwiftness, diligence, salvation, charity, and loveDragonValiant defender of treasure; valour and protectionDrops (Guttees)One who has endured torrents of liquids, as in battle, depending upon the color of the liquid.Yellow: goldBlue: tearsGreen: oilWhite: waterBlack: pitch or tarRed: bloodDrumReady for warDoveLoving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit; with an olive branch in its bill, it signifies a harbinger of good tidingsDuckPerson of many resourcesEaglePerson of noble nature, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious; "True magnanimity and strength of mind" acc. to Guillim.If wings "displayed," it signifies protectionEagle with two headsConjoining of two forcesElephantGreat strength, wit, longevity, happiness, royalty, good luck, and ambitionEnfieldMythical beast said to have protected fallen chieftains' bodies for proper burialEscallop (scallop shell)Traveller to far places or victorious naval commanderEscarbuncle?Supremacy; brilliant gemEscutcheon of Pretence(Small shield in center of primary shield.) Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the familyEstoile (star with six wavy points)?Celestial goodness; noble personEyeProvidence in governmentFalcon (Hawk)One who does not rest until objective achievedFeathers(usually ostrich feathers) Sign of obedience and serenityFer de moline(millrind)Center of the millstone, by which it is turnedFess/Fesse?Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the publicFetterlockVictory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of warFifeReady for warFinger, pointingDirection; correct routeFireZealousnessFishA true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishmentFlagRefer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant serviceFlanchi/flasque/flanchesGiven by a king for virtue and learningFleece (lamb's)Ancient honour from the knightly order of the Fleece of GoldFleur-de-lis?Purity; light; floral badge of France; represents sixth son as mark of differenceFlint stoneReadiness for zealous serviceFlowersHope and joyFountainUsually a roundle, crossed with wavy bars of blue and white; represents water, a springFoxOne who will use all that he/she may possess of wisdom and wit in his/her own defenseFraisesStrawberries; usually refers to the cinquefoilFret(saltire througha mascle)?(Also, fretty or latticework)PersuasionFruitFelicity and peaceFusil(narrow lozenge)?Travel and labourFusil of Yarn (yarn with the spindle)NegotiationGalleySee ShipGannet (duck without beak or legs)One who has to subsist by virtue and meritGarb (wheatsheaf)The harvest of one's hopes has been securedGauntletArmed for the performance of martial enterpriseGillyflower (tawney quatrefoil)Hope and joyGoatOne who wins through politics rather than warGooseResourcefulnessGorged (around neck)High dignityGrapesLiberality, felicity, and peace; also, association with wine-makingGrasshopperNoble and home-bredGrenadeOne who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleGreyhoundCourage, vigilance, and loyaltyGriffin?(Head, wings, and talons of an eagle with the body of a lion); Valour and death-defying bravery; vigilanceGyronnyUnity (six- or eight-part division of the shield)HammerHonour; emblem of the smith's tradeHandPledge of faith, sincerity, and justice;two right hands conjoined represent union and allianceHand, redMark of a baronetHareOne who enjoys a peaceable and retired lifeHarpWell-composed person of tempered judgment; contemplation; mystical bridge between heaven and earthHarpy(virgin's face, neck and breast with the body of a lion)?Ferosity under provocationHart (male deer)Peace and harmonyHawk (Falcon)One who does not rest until objective achievedHawks' lures:One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconryHead (Human)Honour; if the head of a "blackamoor" or Moor, refers to deeds of prowess in the CrusadesHeart, FlamingIntense, burning affectionHeart, HumanCharity and sincerityHedgehog"Provident provider" acc. to Sloane EvansHelmetWhen depicted on the shield, denotes wisdom and security in defense; strength, protection, invulnerabilityHind (female deer)Peace and harmonyHollyTruthHornsStrength and fortitudeHorseReadiness for all employments for king and countryHorseshoeGood luck and safeguard against evil spiritsHourglassFlight of time; mortalityHuitfoil(double quatrefoil)Mark of cadency for the ninth sonHuman HeadHonour (if the head of a Blackamoor, it refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades)Hunting HornOne who is fond of the chase, of high pursuitsHydra (dragon with seven heads)Conquest of a very powerful enemyIncrescent/IncrementOne who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the dexter)InescutcheonSee "Escutcheon of Pretence"Ivy LeavesStrong and lasting friendshipInkhornArt of writing and educated employmentJessamine (white quatrefoil)Hope and joyJessant de lisWith a fleur-de-lis shooting out, i.e., from the mouth of a leopard or lion; Represents dominion over France.KeysGuardianship and dominionKnight (especially on horseback)The soul guiding the body; man's journey through lifeLabarum (Constantine's Cross)Good omen; ChristianityLadder (Scaling Ladder)One who was fearless in attacking; if against a tower, be on guard against spiritual and corporeal enemiesLambGentleness and patience under sufferingLamb carrying staff or banner with a cross(paschal lamb)Faith; innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spiritLamp (candle)Light, life, and spiritualityLanceThe perfection of martial affairs; emblem of knightly service; devotion to honourLaurel LeavesPeace and/or triumphLegStrength, stability, and expeditionLeopardValiant and hardy warrior who enterprises hazardous things by force and courageLeopard's head swallowing a fleur-de-lis (jessant)Represents the lion of England swallowing the lily of FranceLetter (i.e., A, B, C)May represent great battles or tournaments beginning with that letterLevelEquity and upright action; virtuous personLightning BoltSwiftness and powerLilyPurity; see "Fleur-de-lis"LionDauntless courageLion, heraldicBravery, strength, ferosity, and valourLozenge?ConstancyLure (hawk's)One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconryLymphadSee ShipLyreContemplation; tempered judgmentManVarious meaningsMarigoldDevotion and pietyMartlet(footless swallow)Symbol of the fourth son (mark of difference); may signify one who has to subsist by virtue and merit, not inheritanceMascle(hollowed out lozenge)PersuasiveMastiffCourage, vigilance, and loyaltyMatches(Usually in a roll and fired) Possible reference ot one who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleMaunch (lady's sleeve)"For my lady's sake"MermaidEloquenceMillpickMiller's toolMillrind(or millstone)?The mutual converse of human society; miller's toolMitre (Bishop's)AuthorityMoleUnknownMonkeyUnknownMoonSerene power over mundane actionsMoor/SaracenDates back to the Middle Ages when it was considered an honor to take a Moor's headMortar PieceOne who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleMount(Rounded terrace at base of the shield) Unknown; may be purely an artistic deviceMulberriesLiberality, felicity, and peaceMuleOften borne by abbots and abbesses who have pastoral jurisdiction, but not real jurisdictionMullet(five-pointed star)Divine quality from above; mark of third sonMusical PipesFestivity and rejoicingOak Tree, Leaves, BushGreat age and strengthOak Tree/Bush with AcornsContinuous growth and fertilityOlive Branch or LeavesPeace and concordanceOrleCircle of something; Preservation or protectionOstrichWilling obedience and serenityOtterOne who lives life to the fullestOwlOne who is vigilant and of acute witOxValour and generosityPale/Palet?Military strengthPalm BranchVictory, justice, and royal honourPalm TreeRighteousness and resurrection; victoryPantherFierce, but tender and loving to children and will defend her children with her lifeParchment/Scroll/DiplomaPossible reference to academic or sholarly achievementParrotUnknownPaschal LambFaith, innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spiritPassion NailsToken of poignant suffering undergone by the bearerPavilionReadiness for battlePeacockBeauty, power, and knowledgePearsFelicity and peacePegasusPoetic genius and inspiration; messenger of GodPelicanSelf-sacrifice and charitable nature; When feeding her young ("in her piety"), symbolizes the duties of a parent or parental lovePenArt of writing and educated employmentPennon or FlagRefers to some special action in which it was captured or as a reward for gallant servicePeriwinkle (blue quatrefoil)Hope and joyPheasantPerson of many resourcesPheon(Spear-head)?Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battlePhoenix?Symbol of resurrectionPigFertilityPile?Represents large pieces of wood used in building bridges; engineering skills, builder; May represent a pennon or flagPilgrim's Stave/Palmer's StaveThe shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also may refer to early pilgrimages to JerusalemPillarFortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitudePincersHonour; emblem of the smith's tradePineDeath and eternal life thereafterPine ConeLifePipes (music)Festivity and rejoicingPlume of feathersSign of willing obedience and serenity of mindPlummetEquity and upright action; virtuous personPomegranate FruitFertility and abundancePoppy (sanguine quatrefoil)Hope and joyPortcullis (castle gate)Protection in an emergencyProboscides?Elephant trunks; usually represented in pairs; the elephant symbolizes longevity, strength, royalty, dignity, patience, wisdom, happiness, and good luckQuatrefoil (Primrose)Brings good tidingsRabbit (Conie)One who enjoys a peaceable and retired lifeRainbowGood times after badRamAuthorityRatUnknownRatch-hound (small hound)Loyalty, courage, and vigilanceRavenDivine providenceRhinocerosFerocious when arousedRockSafety and protection; refugeRose?Mark of the seventh sonRose, RedGrace and beautyRose, WhiteLove and faithRoundles?Gold or yellow: bezants or byzantine coins (worthy of trust or treasure)White: plate (generosity)Green: pomme (apple)Purple: golpe (wounded)Blue: hurt or wortleberryBlack: pellet, ogress, or gunstone (cannon ball)Red: torteau (communion wafer or manchet cake)Tawney: orange (tennis ball)SaddlePreparedness for active serviceSalamanderProtectionSaltire?(St. Andrew's Cross) ResolutionSavage/SaracenBelieved to be related to service in the CrusadesScallop ShellSee "Escallop"SceptreThe emblem of justiceScythe or SickleThe hope of a fruitful harvestSea horsePower of the waterSeal/Sea lionDauntless courage at seaSeraphim(angel with three pairs of wings) Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful newsSerpent/Snake/LizardWisdomShackleboltVictory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of warShamrockPerpetuity; floral device of Ireland; also see Trefoil.ShieldWhen borne on the arms, represents the defenderShipAncient sea voyagesShip, DismastedDisaster at seaSkullMortalitySnailDeliberation and perseveranceSnakeWisdom (see also Serpent)Spear/PikeHonourable warrior; valiant knightSpear-heads (Pheons)Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battleSphereGeographical or scientific referenceSphinxOmniscience and secrecySpiderWisdom, labour, and prudenceSpurPreparedness for active service; pressing onwardSquare SymbolsConstancySquirrelLover of the woodsStagOne who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmonyStag's AntlersStrength and fortitudeStar (estoile)Celestial goodness; noble personSteelReadiness for zealous serviceStirrupPreparedness for active serviceStoolHospitalityStorkFilial duty; close parental bond; If holding a rock, symbolizes vigilanceSunGlory and splendour; fountain of lifeSwallowOne who is prompt and ready in doing business; also bringer of good newsSwan?Poetic harmony and learning, or lover thereof; light, love, grace, sincerity, perfectionSword/Dagger/DartJustice and military honourTableHospitalityTaborFestivity and rejoicing; dangerous if arousedTalbot (hunting dog)Courage, vigilance, and loyaltyTentReadiness for battleTigerFierceness and valour; resentment; dangerous if arousedTorchLife; zealousness; engaging in signal service; truth and intelligenceTortoiseInvulnerability to attackTowerSafety and grandeurTree TrunkNew life sprouting from the oldTreeLife and the mystical connection of the earth with heaven and the underworldTrefoil or Shamrock(three-leaved grass)PerpetuityTressurePreservation or protection (prominent in the arms of Scotland)Tressure Flory CounterflorySignifies the close and longterm alliance between France and ScotlandTrestleHospitalityTridentMaritime dominionTrumpetReady for warUnicornExtreme courage; virtue and strengthVineStrong and lasting friendshipWater BougetOne who carried water to an army or a besieged placeWheat-EarsFaithfulWheat Garb or SheafThe harvest of one's hopes has been securedWheelFortune; cycle of lifeWingsSwiftness and protectionWolfReward from perseverance in long sieges and/or hard industryWoodbine LeavesLove that does not injure that which it clings toWomanVarious meaningsWreath of laurel leaves and berriesTriumphWyvern(Dragon with only two legs and armed tail)Valour and protectionYewDeath and eternal life thereafter?Credit to?Fleur-de-lis ................
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