Bar - For one who sets the bar of conscience, religion and honor against angry passions.
Battune Sinister - Marks a royal descent that is barred by illegitimacy from succession to the throne.
Bend - Defense or protection.
Bordure or Border - Frequently adopted as a "difference" between relatives bearing the same arms.
Canton - Bearing of honor. When borne charged, it often contains some special symbols granted by the sovereign in reward for the performance of eminent service.
Chief - Dominion and authority.
Cross - Chevron - Protection.
Fess - Military belt or girdle of honor.
Flasques - Given by a king for virtue and learning, and especially for service in embassage.
Gyron - Unity.
Orle or Tressure - Preservation or protection.
Pale - Military strength and fortitude.
Palet - Same as Pale.
Pile - Same as Pale.
Quarter - Bearing of honor. Similar to the Canton.
Voiders - Given to gentlewomen who have deserved highly.
Next: Common Charges
The above symbolisms have been extracted from W. Cecil Wade's The Symbolisms of Heraldry or A Treatise on the Meanings and Derivations of Armorial Bearings, published in London in 1898. The document is in the public domain, and you may copy, print, download or distribute it as you see fit.
Every effort has been made to present this text accurately and cleanly, but no guarantees are made against errors. Neither Melissa Snell nor About may be held liable for any problems you experience with the text version or with any electronic form of this document.
