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Heraldry is the knowledge of armourial bearings and was mainly the outcome of the love of outward distinctions which prevailed on mediæval times. "Heraldry," says Stubbs, "became a handmaid of chivalry, and the marshalling of badges, crests, coat-armour, pennons, helmets and other devices of distinction grew into an important branch of knowledge." The shield, or escutcheon, is the ground upon which armourial signs are traced, the colour of the shield being called the tincture, the signs recorded the charges. (White is also used on a ground, but is not regarded as a true 'tincture'.) There are seven tinctures: |
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The charges are classed as "Honourable" and "Subordinate" ordinaries, comprising lines and geometrical forms; and "Common" ordinaries which latter includes all representations of natural objects. There is also a system of external signs such as crowns, coronets, mitres, helmets, mantlings, wreaths and crests, each having its distinctive significance. |
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Coat of Arms, in heraldry, a device containing a family's arnourial bearings. In mediæval times the coat upon which such device was embroidered; knights wore it over their armour. |
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dexter, in heraldry, means on or of the right-side (observer's left) of a shield or escutcheon. |
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Hatchment, in heraldry, is a square board in vertical diagonal position, placed outside a house or on a tomb at the death of a member of a family and so arranged that it indicates the sex and condition of the deceased. |
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Quartering, in heraldry, is the disposition of various escutcheons or coats-of-arms in their proper quarters of the family shield, in such order as indicates the alliances with other families. |
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Rampant, in heraldry, is a term applied to the figure of an animal with forelegs elevated, the dexter uppermost. When the animal is shown side-faced it is rampant displayed; when full face, rampant gardant; when looking back rampant reguardant; and when sitting rampant sejant. |
The Various Patterns etc., described above.
