Original: The Kings of Arms are authorised in their patents of appointment to grant ( with the consent of the Earl Marshal ) to '' eminent men '' , a phrase which first appeared in the patent of appointment of Stephen Leake as Clarenceux King of Arms in 1741 .
Simplified: The Kings of Arms are authorised in their '' patents of appointment '' ( the letter giving them their job ) to grant coats of arms to '' eminent men '' .