Heraldic Colours (or Tinctures) | Patrick Baty – Historical paint consultant Heraldic Colours (or Tinctures) Tinctures One of the main aims of heraldry is to provide easily recognisable symbols and this is achieved by using clear colours and by following strict rules. However, not all of these are colours in the true sense – some are metals, furs, “stains” and “proper”, hence the more correct use of the word tincture.1 As one might expect with a system of coded symbols the tinctures themselves have meaning attached and one can often begin to read more into the message conveyed by the original bearer of the arms. Over time many of these meanings have changed, but there are still certain themes that can be picked up and I outline below the commonly accepted ones. The principal heraldic tinctures have changed little over the years. These are: Metals Ermine – White covered with black spots Vair – White and blue pattern (A number of variations of both of these furs are found.) What are these Tinctures? The exact colours employed in heraldry are usually left to the heraldic artist, whilst remaining within loose bounds.

In 1934 the British Colour Council published a Dictionary of Colour Standards in two volumes, one showing 220 colours presented on pure silk ribbon, named, numbered, and coded, and the other giving the history of each colour, the various names by which each had previously been known and the authority for standardisation. Amongst these were seven of the above colours, the purpose of which was to provide a guide to selecting appropriate shades. As the British Colour Council developed its services to industry it became apparent that the bias in the dictionary towards colours for textiles made it less relevant as a standard reference work for Interior Decoration. In 1949 it published the Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration , which is discussed in another post. Volume 3 of that work listed the colours and provided a brief history of those illustrated in the other two volumes of colour samples. Under the heading Heraldic Colours it provided details which had been supplied by Somerset Herald 2 at the College of Arms .

The following page is from Volume 2 of the Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration: Sample page from Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration showing Murrey Volume 3 tells us that: “These heraldic terms date from the early thirteenth century, when heraldry became established as a science. The heraldic colour names are mainly of French derivation, or influenced by Latin. The names are still used in heraldry today. It goes on to list the colours and provides examples of most of them: This metal is often represented by yellow. Gold represents glory, generosity, constancy and elevation of the mind. A version was offered in the Dictionary: Gold (CC 72) Azure Blue from Old French azur. Azure signifies piety, sincerity, loyalty and chastity. This was not illustrated in the 1949 edition, but it appeared as Larkspur (BCC 196) in the Dictionary of Colour Standards of 1934. A recent project of mine saw me researching the heraldic Beasts of King Henry VIII for a recreation of a Tudor garden at Hampton Court Palace .

As well as identifying which beasts were relevant, I also had to establish how they were to be painted and where each of the tinctures were to be applied. Jane Seymour’s Heraldic Panther. Tudor Garden, Hampton Court Palace. The heraldic panther resembles a leopard. However, it is silver and covered with spots of blue and red and has flames issuing from its ears and mouth. Jane’s panther, which is collared with a coronet and chained, was the dexter supporter of her arms. A panther had been counted among the number of royal beasts since the time of Henry IV and possibly earlier. In this example one can see the following heraldic tinctures: Argent; Or; Gules; Azure and Vert. The latter is shown in its sixteenth century form, for at that stage there was only one satisfactory pigment to achieve a green colour in oil paint – Verdigris . Experiments carried out with it show that when first applied the colour is a very blue green and it is this form that has been used here. However, it becomes much yellower with time and exposure. As can be seen below the present green colour used in heraldry tends to be much yellower.

Vert This is from the French vert meaning green and, in turn, from the Latin word for green – viridis. Vert is symbolic of joy, youth and beauty and demonstrates loyalty in love. The Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration shows this as Apple Green (CC 98). Apple Green (CC 98) Gules There is a great deal of dispute about the origin of the word. Some say that it derives from the Old French word goules, literally meaning “throats” (related to the English gullet; modern French gueules). It is also possible that the word may come from the Hebrew gulude, a piece of red cloth, or Arabic gule a red rose or possibly ghül a feeder on carcasses. Gules is symbolic of nobility, boldness and ferocity and has strong military connotations. In the Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration it is indicated as Poppy (CC 41) Poppy (CC 41) Purpure The word comes from the Latin purpura, meaning ‘purple’. Purpure suggests justice, temperance and sovereignity.

The use of this colour is rare, although ancient examples do exist – for example in the arms of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln in the thirteenth century. The Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration shows it as Prune (CC 305). Prune (CC 305) This emerged in the twentieth century, in response to wartime requirements of the Royal Air Force . No 1 (F) Squadron Royal Air Force – Note Sky Blue Stains Murrey This is the colour of mulberries . The name is believed to come from the Old French moré and is sometimes referred to as Sanguine, the colour of blood. In the sixteenth century it was used as one of the two livery colours of the House of York . Murrey is meant to indicate patience in adversity. The Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration shows it as Murrey (CC 192). Murrey (CC 192) Tenné This colour is sometimes known as Tawny and is of an orange hue. This colour is meant to signify ambition.

It was not illustrated in the Dictionary of Colours for Interior Decoration, but it appeared as Mace (BCC 73) in the 1934 edition. Tenné Tenné also appears on a coloured silk ribbon in the magnificent volume of Traditional British Colours that was produced for the Coronation of His Majesty King George VI in 1937. Another word is often encountered in connection with heraldic colour and that is the term proper, which is used to indicate that something is in its natural colour or shape, for example an animal or plant. The Blazon The blazon is the written description of a coat of arms. At first this might make little sense, but once understood it will be seen to be masterpiece of concision and will enable one to visualise the arms. For example in the arms at the head of this page the shield is blazoned as follows: “Gules on a Bend cotised Or an Escallop Ermine between two Cross Crosslets fitchy Sable” Translated, this means something like “…on a gold band with a narrower stripe on either side are two black crosses, the ends of whose arms are crossed and the lower limbs pointed.

In between these is a scallop shell in ermine. The whole is placed on a red shield.” The crest , which sits on top of the helmet is further blazoned: “On a Helm with a Wreath Argent and Gules An Eagle wings inverted and addorsed Argent gorged with a Collar gemel Gules and holding in the beak a Trefoil slipped Or” This might be translated roughly as “…on a helmet with a twisted roll of red and silver fabric stands a silver eagle whose wings are behind the body and whose wingtips are tucked back. Around its neck is a double red collar and in its beak a stylised golden clover leaf.” I think that one can see immediately that the formal blazon is more succint and less inclined to cause confusion. Challenge In the above arms over twenty references have been worked in to the design. Most will only be known to the bearer himself, but some will begin to become clear with a little thought. How many of these clues can be picked up?

Rules Concerning the Use of Colour For the sake of visual clarity a number of rules were devised concerning the use of colour in heraldry: Never place a metal on a metal – for example a silver on a gold shield. Never place a colour on a colour – for example a red lion on a blue shield. A fur can take the place of a metal or a colour. Note how these rules have been obeyed in the arms featured at the top of this page, where a gold bend has been placed over the red shield and how the superimposed crosses are black and the scallop shell is in ermine rather than silver/white. A Brief Word on Furs In addition to metals and colours heraldry also uses furs . These are really patterns that suggest the costly furs worn by the medieval nobility. The two main ones being ermine and Vair . Ermine & Vair On the left can be seen the coat of arms of the former Duchy of Brittany described by one of the few known one-word blazons in existence, simply Ermine. On the right, I believe, are the arms of the Counts of Guisnes.

Here is a photograph of a real piece of vair – the fur has been made from the back and front of squirrel pelts sewn together. The use of the word vair in this post has prompted a comment about a possible mistranslation / mistranscription in the original story of Cinderella, which has long been a cause of puzzlement. This concerns her glass slippers. The story appeared in Charles Perrault’s Histoires ou contes du temps passé avec des moralités, which was published in 1697.3 It has been suggested that pantoufle de vair (fur slipper) might have been mistaken for pantoufle de verre (glass slipper). Current Availability of Colours As with almost all the colours shown on this site they could be mixed into conventional modern paint by Papers and Paints Ltd . Notes 1 I have tried to use the word “tincture” when it applies to the full range of colours, metals, furs, ‘stains’ and ‘proper’, while keeping “colour” when it applies to what one might generally consider a colour, but as you see it does get a bit confusing. 2 In 1934 this was Sir George Bellew .

He later became Garter King of Arms . 3 Cendrillon ou la petite pantoufle in Perrault’s collection, which in English is known as Stories or Tales of Olden Times with Morals, or also Tales of My Mother Goose. I am grateful to Sarah Waldock for pointing this out and to Mark Liberman for the more detailed explanation. Sources A.C. Fox-Davies. A Complete Guide to Heraldry. Skyhorse Publishing. 2007. Stefan Oliver. Introduction to Heraldry. David & Charles. 2002. Stephen Slater. The Illustrated Book of Heraldry. Hermes House. 2002. Thomas Woodcock and John Martin Robinson. The Oxford Guide to Heraldry. Oxford University Press. 1988. Heraldic Terms & Heraldry Definitions, Heraldry Glossary : MyFamilySilver.com A term for an antelope . Argent: Silver, usually represented and considered as white; and when engraved the surface is left plain. Arm ambowed and resting on the elbow: The lower part of the arm lying on the wreath and the upper part of the arm upright. Arm embowed: Arm bent.

Usually vertical and bent to the right unless it says "arm embowed sinister " in which case it bends to the left. Arm embowed fessways: The part of the arm above the elbow lying upon the wreath and the part below the elbow upright. Arm, Cubit: A cubit arm is couped just below the elbow, being slightly shorter than an arm couped at the elbow, and a little longer than a hand couped below the wrist. Arm, ppr: A bare arm. All arms, when bare, are termed ppr., but may be in all the foregoing positions when vested , or in armour . When vested, the cuff must be mentioned if of a different tincture (colour), and if the hand be not bare it is known as "gloved." When in armour, the hand must be mentioned as proper ("ppr") or in a gauntlet . An arm may be habited in leaves, in chain mail , or in scale armour. An arm in armour may be garnished-i.e., with the edges and rivets of a different colour-and is sometimes termed vambraced . When two hands clasp each other they are known as conjoined .

Armed: A term used when the horns , teeth of any beast, and the beak or claws, tusks, or talons of any bird, are in colour different from the body ; it is then said to be armed of that colour. Occasionally used to mean in armour . Armigerous: An instrument for taking the altitude of the sun or stars. Attired: A term used when the antlers or horns of a stag, hart, buck, or antelope are mentioned as of a different colour. Attires: The antlers and horns of animals of the deer variety. Also occasionally used to describe human clothing. Augmentation: A mark added to an existing coat of arms to commemorate a notable achievement. Freely granted from the time of Charles II to Victoria and can take the form of an extra crest borne to the right of the of the family crest. Aulned: A term applied to barley when bearded. Aure: Dropped with gold. The same as guttee d'or. Avelane: Blue ; represented when engraved by parallel horizontal lines. B Badge: Similar to an heraldic antelope but with the tail of a horse and long curved horns . Bagwyn: A monster of uncertain components.

Sometimes resembling an heraldic tiger and at other times like an ox. Ball Fired: A ball that always has the fire issuing from the top. See also Grenade and Fire ball. Band: The bandage, by which a garb , a sheaf of arrows, etc., are bound. Also known as a fillet. Banded: When the band of a garb , etc., is of a colour different from the garb itself, it is said to be banded, and the colour described. Bar: A straight horizontal band . Barbed: A term used when referring to the five green leaves on the outside of a full-blown rose which are the barbs. A term applied to an arrow when the head and feathers differ in tincture (colour) from the shaft. Also referred to as being flighted . Barbed Horse: A war horse completely armoured. Sometimes described as a "horse barbed at all points". Bar-Gemelle: A double bar , or two narrow bars placed near and parallel to each other. See also " Fess ". Barnacle: A water-fowl resembling a goose. Also a pair of instruments used by farriers to curb a horse.

Barrulet: A diminutive of the bar , being a quarter to half its width. Barruly: Divided into several equal parts horizontally, of two or more tinctures (colours); the number of divisions and tinctures are always specified, " barry of four, or and azure . Barry: Transversely divided into several equal parts horizontally, of two or more tinctures interchangeably disposed ; the number of divisions usually specified as barry of six, eight, ten, or twelve. Barry-bendy: When the partition lines barwise (horizontal) are crossed by others bendwise (diagonal). Barry-paly: When the partition lines barwise (horizontal) are crossed by others in pale (vertical). Barry-pily: When the partition lines barwise (horizontal) are made by piles (conical shapes). See Piles. Barwise: A term used to describe a horizontal division. Base: The lower part. Basilisk: A fabulous creature like the cockatrice , but with the head of a dragon at the end of its tail. Not a snake as per J K Rowling. Baton: The upper works of a castle or tower . Baxter: A baker.

Originally used to describe a female baker. Beacon: A fire-beacon , used as a signal. An open bucket of fire on a pole with a ladder. Beak: The bill of a bird ; in birds of prey when with the claws of another tincture (colour) termed armed . Beaked: Birds are termed beaked when the bills are of a different tincture (colour) from their bodies. Bears' Paws: See under Lions ' Gambs . Bee: Bees are the emblem of industry; they indicate that a man by industry may rise to the greatest eminence. Bell: See Church-Bell and Hawk 's Bell. Belled: A term applied to the hawk or falcon when both legs have bells upon them. If the word be not used in the blazon, the bird will carry only one bell, and that on the sinister (left) leg. Bend: See Per Bend . Divided into two equal parts of different colours by a diagonal line. One of the nine ordinaries ; it occupies one-third part of the shield or crest , and is drawn diagonally from the dexter chief (top right) to the sinister base (bottom left).

Bend Sinister, In: An item placed diagonally from sinister chief (top left) to dexter base (bottom right) and the opposite of Bendways . As in the "The swords are all in bend sinister. Bendlet: A diminutive of the bend of one-half its breadth. Bendways: Obliquely, or in bend from sinister base (bottom left) to dexter chief (top right). Bendwise: Placed obliquely or on a bend . Bendy: Divided into an equal number of pieces in a slanting direction from the dexter chief (top right) to the sinister base (bottom left). Bezant: A flat circular piece of metal, representing money. They are always either Or (gold) or Argent (silver). When Argent they are frequently termed " plates ". See "Plates" and "Roundel". Bezantée: Semée of, or strewn with bezants . See Semée Bicapitated: A bird of the heron family. Blackamoor: A black man. Ususally shown as a head of the african and generally in profile, and frequently banded or wreathed .

Bladed: A term used when the stalk or blade of grain is shown upon the ear, or when of a tincture (colour) different from the ear or fruit ; thus "an ear of wheat or., bladed vert ". Blasted: A leafless and withered tree. Blazon (n): The heraldic description, in words, of a coat-of-arms or crest ; (v) to heraldically describe in words. To represent in colour is to emblazon. To outline only, labelling the colours, is to trick. Blemished: Used to describe something that is broken. Blood hound: A dog not unlike the talbot , generally drawn on the scent. Boar: A wild boar with exaggerated tusks and bristles. Boars' Heads: Couped or erased " close ", are almost without exception the only forms of the head used in Scotland and Wales, and consequently the additional and descriptive term used above is more often omitted than not. When blazoned " erect ," it is shewn as in. When a coronet takes the place of a wreath this form of head must be blazoned as upon the coronet (and not issuing from it), and shewn as.

The head with the neck, as is supposed to be the more general form for English crests , but there is no hard and fast rule that can be observed as to this, for both forms occur ; though for distinctive reasons words "and neck" are often added. Boltant: Bolting; springing forward. A term applied to rabbits and hares. Bolt-in-tun: A bird bolt pierced through a tun . Bonacon: A bull like monster but with horns which curl inwards, a short mane and a horses tail. According to J P Brooke-Little, its horns being useless, it defends itself by shooting its burning excrements at its enemies. Boreyne: A mo nster similar to a Bonacon but with a tongue like a spear head, a dorsal fin, the fore legs of a lion and eagles claws at the end of its hind legs. Bouget: See Water Bouget. Bow: Should really be always blazoned, either as strung, unstrung, or sans strings, but in the first case this is often omitted, though in the two latter instances the words "shooting an arrow from a bow," or "pulling an arrow to its head," are required.

Bridge: The number of the arches will usually be stated. Brigandine: A jacket or coat of mail . Bristled: A term used for the hair on the neck and back of the boar , when it differs in tincture (colour). Broad-Arrow: Differs from the Pheon by having the inside of the barbs plain. Brock: A Badger. Also sometimes known as a Grey. Buckler: A term used for a shield . Buckles: Are borne of various forms, oval, round, square, and lozenge -shaped. The position of the tongue should be stated. Bugle: A kind of ox. Bugle-Horns: Are usually stringed , garnished, and veruled , and frequently of different colours, but when not so they must be blazoned as " sans strings. Burganet: A steel cap, formerly worn by foot soldiers in battle. Bush: The tail of a fox. Bustard: A kind of wild turkey, of a brownish colour according to Fairbairn. A kind of small hawk according to Washbourne. C A rope affixed to an anchor.

Cabled: An anchor is so termed when borne with a cable entwined round the stock . Cabossed: A term applied to animals having horns , when the face is affrontée and the head is couped so closely behind the ears that no part of the neck is visible. Caduceus: Rod of Esculapius or Staff of Mercury, a slender winged staff, entwined by two serpents, the heads meeting at the top, and the tails at the base of the handle, and winged at the summit. Calopus: A monster with a wolfs body, cats face and goats horns . Caltrap: An instrument anciently used in war to wound the horses' feet, having four points, so that when placed on the ground, one point was always erect ; and in heraldic art this frequently depicted as bloody, when it is termed " embrued at the point." Also sometimes referred to as Galtrap . Calvary: See Cross Calvary. Calygreyhound: A monster with the head of a wild cat , frond like horns , a tufted body and a lions tail and an eagles claws instead of forepaws. Fortunately rare.

Camel: Usually shown with one hump but sometimes with two. Cameleopard: The heraldic name of the giraffe , which was stated by early writers to be a hybrid between the camel and leopard. Camelopardel: A giraffe with two long horns curving backwards. Cannets: Ducks without beaks or feet; they differ from the martlet by having larger and more curvating necks, and from the allerion , by having their heads in profile. Cannon: Usually shown as a muzzle loaded cannon unless specificed otherwise. Cantling arms: Arms which pun or play on the name of the bearer. Cap of Dignity: More usually known as a Chapeau ,when proper is a flat cap of crimson velvet, lined and turned up with ermine , originally and of right appertaining to ducal rank. It is borne by many families below the crest in place of a wreath . It is occasionally of other colours. Also referred to as a Cap of Maintenance . Cap of Liberty: Always red but of very rare occurrence.

Cap of Maintenance: More usually known as a Chapeau ,when proper is a flat cap of crimson velvet, lined and turned up with ermine , originally and of right appertaining to ducal rank. It is borne by many families below the crest in place of a wreath . It is occasionally of other colours. Also referred to as a Cap of Dignity . Cap of Mercury: A man in a complete set of armour . Caparisoned: A term applied to horses when furnished with trappings, but which has no very definite meaning. It is usually employed in conjuncton with the word "bridled" which is blazoned "upon a ducal coronet , a horse passant , saddled, bridled and caparisoned all ppr. Casque: A helmet . Castles: Have always two towers , joined by an intervening wall ; when the cement is different in colour from the stones, it is said to be masoned of that particular colour ; if the loopholes and portway are of a different colour they must be so blazoned ; they are supposed to be then closed. see Tower. Cat-a-mountain: Generally understood to be the wild or mountain cat.

Catherine wheel: A wheel with eight spokes each ending in a curved spike. So called from the wheel on which St Catherine suffered. Celestial Coronet: The same as an Eastern coronet , but having each point surmounted by a star. Centaur: A fabulous figure from greek mythology composed of the upper part of a man, and the lower part of a horse, usually (though not always) represented with a bow and arrow. Also known as Sagittarius but not if the bow and arrow be omitted. Chalice: A communion cup . see Cup. Chapeau: A dukes cap, hat, or bonnet. See Cap of Dignity and Cap of Maintenance .. Chaplet: A garland , or wreath of flowers, laurel, olive, oak , etc. A Chaplet of roses is composed of four roses only and the rest of leaves. Checky: Divided into small equal squares, of different tinctures (colours). Also referred to as Chequy. Cherub: A child's head between two wings. If the wings are crossed it is in saltire . Chess-Rook: The rook or pawn used in the game of chess.

Chevalier: A knight on horseback completely armed . A demi chevalier is shown from the waist up without his horse. A chevalier normally wears a plumed helmet . Occasionally shown standing with or without horse. Cheveron: A two line pyramidal, resembling two rafters, meeting at the top. Also termed Chevron. See Per Cheveron . Chief: The upper part. Chough: A species of crow or raven , black, with legs and beak red ; common in Cornwall and normally reffered to as a Cornish Chough .. Cinier: A term sometimes used to refer to a ducal coronet . Cinquefoil: A five leaved grass, generally represented as issuing from a ball or point in the centre. It represents the flower of the strawberry plant. Civic Crown: A garland of oak -leaves and acorns. Given by the Romans as a reward for saving a citizen's life in battle or for having rescued him after being taken prisoner. Clarion: The heraldic name for a raven . Cornish Chough: A species of crow or raven , black, with legs and beak red ; common in Cornwall.

Cornucopia: A symbol of food and abundance dating back to the 5th century BC, also referred to as horn of plenty, Horn of Amalthea, and harvest cone. Usually depicted as a horn or cone and filled with fruits and corn etc. Coronet: A term used to refer to a non regal crown . There are many different varieties used commonly in crests and below the crest to denote the rank of a peer or in the case of a Royal to denote relationship with the sovereign.. See Ducal, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, Baron, Mural , Naval, Eastern, Vallary, Pallisado, Celestial and Antique. Unless stated it is assumed to be a three leaved ducal coronet . Couchant: A term used to describe beasts of prey (members of the cat and dog family primarily) when at rest or lying down but with the head upright to distinguish from the dormant (sleeping). Animals of the chase (e.g. members of the deer family) when in the same position are described as being lodged .D375 Coulter: The knife of a plough. Counterchanged: An alternate changing of the colours. Couped: Cut clean off.

See also Coupee. Courant: Running at full speed. Also termed "Current". Couteau: A beast with its tail between its legs. Cramp: A straight line with a hook at either end. Crampet: The metal tip of a scabbard. Crenellée: Resembling the battlements of a wall. Also termed " Embattled ". Crescent: A half-moon, horns turned upwards. See also Decrescent (horns turned towards the sinister ) and Increscent (horns turned to the right). Crest: a heraldic emblem originally worn on a knights helmet to aid recognition. Subsequently incorporated into the wearers coat of arms. Frequently engraved on silver as mark of ownership. Crest Coronet: A ducal coronet . Crested: A term applied to the comb of a cock , or other bird, or to the head feathers of a peacock, and to the top of a pine-apple. Crined: Relating to the hair. Used normally when the hair is a different colour to the body. Crosier: A Bishops staff resembling a shepherds crook.

Cross: A cross similar in shape to that on which Christ was crucified. Also known as the Passion Cross or Long Cross . See also Cross Calvary . Cross Avelane: Resembles four filberts or hazel nuts, stalk to stalk. Cross Calvary: A passion cross mounted on three steps, grieces , or degrees. Cross Crosslet: A cross whose extremities end in little crosses. Cross Crosslet Fitched: Having the lower part sharpened to a point. Also termed cross crosslet fitchee. Cross Fleury or Flory: A cross having a demi - fleur-de-lis at each extremity Cross Formée: Spreading like dovetails at each extremity. Also termed a cross pattee. Cross Moline: A cross in shape, like that of a mill rind, but not perforated. If perforated the shape of the piercing will be described. Cross of St. Andrew: A saltire argent upon a field az. Cross Patonce: The ends rather wider and terminating in three parts instead of two. Cross Pattée: Spreading like dovetails at each extremity. Also termed a Cross Formée .

Crossways: When the position of the figures is in the form of a cross . Crown: Half. Usually the upper half. Devouring: Swallowing. Dexter: The right hand side; but as in heraldry the shield is supposed to be borne in front, the dexter side of the escutcheon is that on the left-hand side when looking straight at it, and similarly with crests in which the part marked azure is the dexter and the ermine is the sinister . Disarmed: A creature without its offensive weapons (claws, beak , teeth, horns etc). Displayed: A term usually applied to the eagle when in the position shewn in which is an eagle displayed ; but (unless blazoned " rising ," as is sometimes the case), shews the claws upon the wreath and the body in profile instead of affrontée , and might be described as "an eagle with wings displayed. Distilling: A fabulous animal, differs from the wyvern by having four legs. Ducal Coronet: Frequently used instead of a wreath , or as a collar ; it has three leaves, unless blazoned as having a greater number. Also know as a Cinier or crest coronet .

The coronet of a Duke has five leaves and when used to denote rank below a crest must include a cap. E The emblem of magnanimity and fortitude of mind. Eagle Displayed: When the wings and legs are extended on each side of the body which is placed affrontée . Eagle Rising: An eagle with wings extended and taking off. See Displayed . Eared: A term used when the ears are in colour different from the body. Eel: A snake like fish. Interchangeable with a snake when shown in a wading birds beak . Eft: Placed back to back. See Addorsed . Enfiled: A charge is so termed when encircled by, or thrust through, anything else-e.g., a fleur-de-lis enfiled with a ducal coronet , or a sword enfiled by a boar 's head in profile couped at the neck. Engrailed: A term applied to a line composed of semicircular indents. Ensigned: A term used with crowns , coronets , and other things, when borne on or over or resting on others; as a heart ensignea with a crown.

Entwined: Generally with a snake or a cable ; sometimes a sword or a flagstaff, etc., with a branch of laurel. Enveloped: Entwined by a snake, applied to brids and animals. Eradicated: Torn up by the roots. Erased: Forcibly torn off, leaving the separated parts jagged and uneven. When erased of a different tincture (colour) it should be shown as. Erect: Upright or in pale . A sword, erect. Erm.: A white fur interspersed with black spots (known as ermine spots). Ermines: Black with white ermine spots. Erminois: Gold with black ermine spots. Escallop-Shell: The shell of the scollop. The emblem for those who have made long voyages, or who have had important naval commands, gained great victories. Much used by pilgrims. Escarbuncle: A Gem or precious stone. Escroll: A scroll or slip on which crests were formerly placed ; now used to receive the mottoes. Escutcheon: The shield used in war upon which arms were originally borne.

Etoile: A star with waved rays or points, usually six in number, but this should always be specified. An etoile of 8 points has four waved and four straight. Eye: Human. Eyed: A term applied to the variegated spots in the peacock's tail, and when the eye of any creature has to be blazoned as of some tincture (colour). F A kind of broadsword. Falcon: A large species of sporting hawk , but very little distinction is made between the different species. Fasces: An axe within a bundle of rods bound together. Used as the emblem of judicial authority in the Roman Empire. Feathers: A plume of feathers are always those of the ostrich , unless mentioned as otherwise. Fer-De-Moline: A small bird. See Goldfinch . Fire-Ball: A ball that always has the fire issuing from the top, bottom and both sides. See also Grenade and Ball Fired . Fire-Beacon: A beacon used as a signal. Fitched: Pointed or sharpened to a point. See also Fitchee. Flamant: In flames, flaming. See also Flammant and Flame of Fire .

Flame of Fire: In flames, flaming. See also Flammant and Flame of Fire. Fleam: An ancient form of lancet often found in medical heraldry . Fleece: The skin of a horned ram . Always shown encircled by a band and suspended from a hook. Flesh Pot: A cauldron with three legs. Fleur-De-Lis: Flower of the lily. Also the mark of the sixth son. Fleury: A term applied to various objects-e.g., a collar, a coronet , a cross , or a tressure , of which the ends or edges are garnished with fleurs-de-lis or demi - fleur-de-lis . See also Flory. Flexed: Bent. Flighted: A term applied to an arrow when the head and feathers differ in tincture (colour) from the shaft. Also referred to as being barbed . Flotant: A term used to describe anything floating, or flying, in the air. As in a banner flotant. Fluke: The pointed part of an anchor. Fluted: A term applied to vertical markings on a pillar.

Focked: A term said to be applied to lions etc., when the hind feet are of a different tincture . Foliated: A plate of steel or iron. Gad-fly: A fly that so stings the cattle as to make them gad , or run madly about. Galley: An antique vessel. Galtrap: An instrument anciently used in war to wound the horses' feet, having four points, so that when placed on the ground, one point was always erect ; and in heraldic art this frequently depicted as bloody, when it is termed " embrued at the point." Also sometimes referred to as Caltrap . Gamb: The fore-leg of a lion or other beast. I.e. below the knee joint. Garb: A sheaf of corn or wheat and banded of the same colour unless specified otherwise. Gardant: Full faced, looking straight forward. A term applied to animals when the body is in profile and the face is affrontée . See also Affrontee and Gaze , at. Garland: Chaplet or wreath of flowers or leaves. Garter: A circular band with a buckle and strap pendent .

Used in Scotch heraldry engraved with the clan motto and encircling the chiefs crest and for use by the entire clan without matriculation. Gauntlet: An iron glove. Gaze: At, a term applied to the hart, stag, buck, or hind , when standing in profile with the head affrontée , or full faced ; all other beasts in this attitude are gardant . Gemel: Signifies a double bar or two bars near and parallel to each other. See also Bar-Gemel Genet: A mammal of the civit family. Sometimes used to denote the broom plant. Giraffe: A drop. Guttée: Semée (sprinkling) of drops, varying in colour, according to what is intended to be represented, and named accordingly. Guttée D'Or: Sprinkled with drops of gold, represented by the colour or (gold). Guttée-D'Eau: Sprinkled with drops of water, represented by the colour argent (silver). Guttée-De-Huile: Sprinkled with drops of oil, represented by the colour vert (green).

Guttée-De-Larmes: Sprinkled with Tear drops, represented by the colour azure (blue). Guttée-De-Poix: Sprinkled with drops of pitch, represented by the colour sable (black). Guttée-De-Sang: Sprinkled with drops of blood, represented by the colour gules (red). Guttée-D'Olive: Sprinkled with drops of oil, represented by the colour vert (green). Guttée-Reversed: Drops contrary to the natural position. Gwyes: Roundles of a sanquine colour. Gyron: The space between two straight lines from the dexter fess and chief point, meeting in an acute angle in the fess point. Gyronny: Composed of gyrons . The number should be stated. H An esquire, when used as a crest . Heraldic Antelope: A fabulous and ficticious animal, with the body of a stag and the tail of a unicorn , and having a tusk at the tip of the nose, tufts down the back part of the neck, and on the tail, chest, and thighs.

A fabulous animal, with the body of a stag and the tail of a unicorn , and having a tusk at the tip of the nose, tufts down the back part of the neck, and on the tail, chest, and thighs. Heraldic Rose: A five petalled rose of the dogrose variety. The barbs show between the petals and the centre is large. If " barbed and seeded ppr" the barbs are green and the seed gold. Heraldic Tiger: An ancient and fabulous beast with the body of a lion (i.e. without stripes, tufts, pointed ears, tusks and a point at the end of the nose. Heraldry: the classification of armorial bearings including family crests . Hilt: The handle of a sword. Hind: A doe or female deer. Hippocampus: A sea-horse . Hippogriff: A monster fomed by joining the top half of a female griffin with the hind parts of a horse. Holy Lamb: A lamb passant (walking), carrying a banner, generally charged with a cross , called the Banner of St. George, and with a halo behind the head. Hooded: When borne with a hood.

A hawk , hooded. Hoofed: When the hoofs are a different colour to the rest of the body. Horn: Having a fleur-de-lis shooting through any charge. Jesses: Leather thongs, with which the bells are tied to the legs of hawks . K Knot: There are many types of knot in heraldry . See "An Heraldic Alphabet" by J P Brooke-Little for a fuller description. L Label: A figure of three points to distinguish the eldest son (and of five points for the grandson), borne during the life of the father ; and borne by all the members of the Royal Family ; and a term applied to the ribbons that hand from a mitre or coronet . Lamp: An alladin style lamp normally shown burning. Lance: A spear to thrust with. Langued: A term used when the tongue of beasts or birds is a different colour from the body. Leash: A small leather thong used by falconers. The line attached to the collar of a dog. Leashed: A line attached to the collar (and sometimes a gorged coronet ) of an animal in the manner of a dog lead.

Legged: When the legs of a bird are of a different colour from the body. they are legged or membered of that colour. Leopard's face: A leopard's head cabossed (cut behind the ears and showing no neck). Letter: An envelope sealed with wax. Leure, in: Wings conjoined with their tips downward. Lion: The emblem of strengthand valour. Unless expressed otherwise is always understood to be rampant . Lion of St. Mark: When the ends of a cross terminate in a lion 's face. Lochabe axe: An axe with a hook at the end of its handle. Lodged: A term used to describe beasts of the chase (members of the deer family) when at rest and lying on the ground with their heads held up to distinguish them from the dormant . The beasts of prey (the cat family, the dog family and etc) are described as couchant when in the same position. Long Cross: A cross similar in shape to that on which Christ was crucified. Also known as the Passion Cross . See also Cross Calvary . Lozenge: A diamond shape as used on playing cards. Lozengee: Covered with lozenges .

Also termed Lozengy. Sometimes alternately of different colours. Lucy: A lion with a human face, the hair forming the mane. Maned: When the mane is of a colour different from the body, the animal is maned of that colour. Man's Head: Unless differently expressed, is usually in profile and bearded ; if without a beard, it is a young man's head. Manticora: A monster combining the body of an heraldic tiger and the head of an old man with a flowing beard, hair and two spiral horns . Sometimes shown with out the horns and with human feet. Mantling: The flourishing ornament attached to the helmet . Marcassin: A young boar . Distinguished from an old boar by having a limp tail. Mark of cadency: A mark added to differentiate from a sibling or other branch of the family. Marten: A small bird without feet, representing the martin . Mascle: A figure in the form of a lozenge , but always perforated. Masoned: A term used to indicate that the cement or mortar in buildings is of a different colour. Maunch: An antique sleeve with long hangers to it.

Melusine: A two tailed mermaid . Membered: When the legs of a bird are of a colour different from the body. they are legged or membered of that colour. Mermaid: A figure half-woman, half-fish, generally with a comb in one hand , and a mirror in the other. Merman: A figure half-man, half-fish. Also termed a Triton . Midas's head: A mans head with long hair, a beard and the ears of a donkey. Mill-Rind: The iron in the centre of the mill-stone , by which it is turned. Mill-Stone: The goddess of wisdom and the arts Mirror: Generally shown as oval and handled. Mitre: This is always placed above the escutcheon of the arms by Bishops, none of whom are permitted to use a crest . In such cases no wreath is placed below it. There is no distinctive mitre for an Archbishop. The Bishop of Durham, and he only, encircles the band of his mitre by a ducal coronet . Monster: Any fabulous or ficticious creature. Moor's Head: A black man's head , generally in profile, and frequently banded or wreathed .

A head of african rather than arabian origin. Morion: An antique helmet worn by infantry. See Helmet. Mort-Head: A death's head, or skull. Mound: A ball or globe , forming part of the regalia of sovereigns. Mount: A small hill, on which crests are frequently represented. Mountain: As a mount , but larger in proportion to the bearing placed upon it. Mountain Cat: A flower with six petals, like the leaf of the cinquefoil . Naval Coronet: Composed of a chased circle bearing on th upper edge four masts of a ship, each bearing a topsail, and as many sterns of vessels, placed alternately. See coronet . Nebulée: A term applied to waved lines intended to represent clouds. Neptune: A triton or merman crowned and armed with a trident . Nowed: Knotted. Tied in knots . Snakes are generally shown in a figure of eight when nowed. O A tree. The emblem of strength. Octofoil: A flower, like a cinquefoil , but with eight petals. Ogresses: Sable roundles . See Roundle.

Opinicus: A monster with a lion 's body, grifin's head and neck, eagles wings and camel 's tail. Or: Gold, frequently represented by yellow ; and when engraved by small points or dots spread over the field or bearing. Ordinary: A basic geometrical shape commonly used in heraldry . Orle: A term used to express two branches surrounding another object. See In Orle . Ostrich: A long legged flightless bird with long neck. Ostrich-Feathers: Generally borne in a plume . Otter: An amphibious animal. Ounch: An animal like the leopard, having the upper part of the body tawny white, and the lower part ash-colour, and sprinkled with numerous black spots. See Leopard. Overt: The emblem of wisdom and always full-faced. P Pale, per: Divided from top to bottom, by two lines, into three equal parts. In Pale signifies upright, erect . Palisado Coronet: Composed of a circle surmounted by eight pointed pales or palisados. See Coronet Pallet: A diminutive of the field half its width ; when wavy it frequently denotes illegitimacy.

Palmers Staff: A staff ending with a knob and a hook. Also known as a pilgrim's staff. Paly: Divided into an equal number of pieces by perpendicular lines. Panache: A fan or bank of feathers . Panther: The heraldic panther is normally shown with flames issuing from mouth and ears and is frequently sprinkled with roundels. Parchment: A roll of paper. Paschal Lamb: A lamb passant (walking), carrying a banner, generally charged with a cross , called the Banner of St. George. Often shown with a Halo behind the head. Pascuant: hanging. Penned: A term used when the stem or quill of a feather is of a colour different from the feather. Pennon: An oblong flag, terminating sometimes in one and sometimes in two sharp points, carried on the point of a spear . See Banner and Flag. Pennoncelle: A tapering flag similar to a pennon but shorter. Per Bend: Divided into two equal parts of different colours by a diagonal line. Per Cheveron: Divided by two lines placed in cheveron . Per Fess: Divided into two equal parts of different colours by a horizontal line.

Per Pale: Divided into two equal parts of different colours by a perpendicular line. Per Saltier: Divided into four equal parts, by two diagonal lines crossing each other. Perched: Applied to birds when in a sitting posture upon a branch or other substance. Perclose: The lower half of a garter showing a buckle. Peryton: A round flat piece of silver without any impression. See Roundle . Platée: Semée (sprinkled) of plates . See Semée. Plumb Rule: A weighted cord. Plume: Consisting of three ostrich feathers only. If more are in the plume the number must be expressed. Sometimes one plume is placed above another ; it is then termed a double plume. If composed of three rows, one above the other, it is termed a triple plume. Pomegranate: Generally stalked and leaved, and the side of the fruit burst. Pomeis: A roundle of a green colour resembling an apple. See Roundle. Pommel: The rounded knob of the sword's handle. Popinjay: A small green parrot, with red beaks and legs.

Portcullis: For the defence of the gateway of a city, castle, or other fortress. Potent: Borne in the proper or natural colours. Purfle: A kind of embroidery in gold thread. Purfled: Garnished or Ornamented. The golden studs and rims of armour . Purflew: A border of fur . Purpure: Purple ; represented when engraved by diagonal lines, drawn from the sinister chief to the dexter base . Pyramid: A building or figure coming to a point. Python: A winged serpent or dragon . Q Divided into four equal parts. Quatrefoil: A figure consisting of four leaves. Queue: The tail ; used as queue- fourchée , meaning having a forked tail ; and double-queued , meaning double-tailed. Quiver of Arrows: A case, filled with arrows. R Usually termed a coney . Raguled: Supposed to represent a ragged staff having its branches lopped, but more usually drawn in the conventional style. Rainbow: The emblem of hope, an arch of its proper colours, rising from clouds at each end. Ram: A male sheep usually with curled horns .

Rampant: Standing erect on the left hind -leg. Raven: Usually referring to a ring at the end of a line or chord. Rising: Preparing to fly and with wings extended. Rock: The emblem of solidity and strength; a stony mass. Rose: Consisting of five principal petals or leaves with small ones in the centre, having between each outer leaf a smaller petal or barb, usually of a different colour. When blazoned proper , the rose is red, the seeds yellow, and the barbs green. A rose with only a short stem and no leaves. Rose, Slipped and leaved: A rose with a long stem and leaves. Rose-branch: Divested of the stiffness of the heraldic rose , and drawn in a more natural matter, and usually having more than one blossom. Roundle: A small flat circular piece ; but the name roundle must only be used when composed of a fur , when the colour is unknown, or when composed of more than one colour. The names vary according to colour.

See Bezant (Or), Plate (Arg.), Torteau (Gu.), Hurt (Az.), Pomeis ( Vert ), Pellet or Ogress (Sa.), or Golpe ( Purpure ). Rowel: The spiked wheel at the back of a spur . Rustre: A figure in the form of a lozenge , like a mascle , but unlike the mascle the rustre is only pierced with a round hole. S Black ; represented when engraved by perpendicular and horizontal lines crossing each other. Sagittarius.: A Centaur bearing a bow and arrow. A figure of the Zodiac. Sail of a ship: Only a small portion of the mast and yard-arm should be shown. Salamander: A fabulous animal, always represented surrounded with flames ppr. Salient: Leaping or springing, the hind feet down. Saltant: Refers to the squirrel , weasel, rat and all vermin, and to the cat, greyhound , ape , and monkey, when springing forward. Saltier: A diagonal cross in the form of St. Andrew's Cross. Saltierwavs: When placed in the position of the saltier . Sand glass: A curved blade on a long handled.

Often held by a mower. Sea-dog: A talbot with webbed feet, scales, a dorsal fin, and a otters tail (called a rudder). Sea-horse: An animal, the upper part being like the horse, but with webbed feet, conjoined to the tail of a fish. Sea-lion: Upper part like a lion , and lower part like the tail of a fish. Seax: A sword or scimitar , much hollowed out and also notched in the back of the blade. Said to be the old saxon sword. Seeded: Applied to the seed of roses , lilies, etc., when of a tincture different to the flower itself. Segreant: A term applied only to the griffin when in the rampant position. Sejant: Sitting. In profile unless specified otherwise. Sejant-affrontée: Sitting on the hind legs with the fore paws raised. Semée: Sprinkled evenly over the surface at regular intervals. Any surface or charge may be semée of any other charge, though some must have special terms applied to them (see Crusuly , Bezantée , Platée , Semée-de-lis , Pellettée ).

In emblazoning it is desirable, where the shape of the figure or field will allow, that the smaller charges, of which the other is semée, should be so arranged that the outer edge of the field should cut off and partially deface one or more of the smaller charges in order to distinguish it from a field charged with a particular number of objects. Semée-de-lis: Sprinkled or semée of fleurs-de-lis. Semi: The wide part of a tilting spear which protects the hand of the holder. Vandyke: A term sometimes applied to the sleeve of a coat when the edges are in large zig zags (i.e. dancettee). Vane: A fan. Velloped: A cock is armed , crested , and velloped, when his spurs , comb, and wattles are borne of a different colour to the body. Vert: Green, represented when engraved by diagonal lines from the dexter chief to the sinister base . Veruled: Edged with metal, having rings or ferrules round ; applied to hunting- horns . Vervels: Small rings to which the jesses of the hawk are fastened.

Vested: Also known as the Lion of St Mark. Winged sand-glass: An hour glass with wings. Wodehouse: A wild man of the woods. Bearded and covered in green hair except for the knees, elbows, hands and face. Wreath: A skein of silk twisted with a metal cord. Wreaths upon which crests are placed show six folds in front, three of metal and three of colour, beginning with metal and ending with colour. Crests are upon wreaths when not expressed as borne upon a cap, or chapeau , or issuing out of a coronet . Sometimes also applied to the tail of a boar . Wreathed: Twisted in the form of a wreath or encircled by a wreath. Wyvern: A fabled monster like a dragon , but with only two legs, drawn with wings up and addorsed , unless otherwise described. Y

Question: What is the heraldic name for silver?
Answer: Argent