What do shells mean on a coat of arms

Person 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. If wings "displayed," it signifies protection. Great strength, wit, longevity, happiness, royalty, good luck, and ambition. Mythical beast said to have protected fallen chieftains' bodies for proper burial.

Escutcheon of Pretence Small shield in center of primary shield, as shown above. Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the family. See Examples of Falcons. A bundle or rods tied together around an axe, with the blade projecting out; Symbol of a magistrate's authority and the judiciary. It appears on the reverse side of the U. Liberty-head dime. Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the public.

Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war. A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment. Refers to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service. See Examples of Fleurs-de-lis. Purity; light; floral badge of France; represents sixth son as mark of difference. Usually a roundle, crossed with wavy bars of blue and white; represents water, a spring.

Fret saltire through a mascle. Liberality, felicity, and peace; also, association with wine-making and abundance. Head, wings, and talons of an eagle with the body of a lion ; Valour and death-defying bravery; vigilance; Guardian of treasure. Pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice; two right hands conjoined represent union and alliance. Well-composed person of tempered judgment; contemplation; mystical bridge between heaven and earth. Harpy virgin's face, neck and breast with the body of a lion.

One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconry. Honour; if the head of a "blackamoor" or Moor, refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades. See Examples of Helmets. When depicted on the shield, denotes wisdom and security in defense; strength, protection, invulnerability. Presumably adopted by the bearers as forms of unique identification of European homes. Honour if the head of a Blackamoor, it refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades. Describes an element that does not touch the sides of the shield.

One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory crescent with horns to the dexter. Inescutcheon See "Escutcheon of Pretence". With a fleur-de-lis shooting out, i. Indicates first-born. One who was fearless in attacking; if against a tower, be on guard against spiritual and corporeal enemies.

Lamb carrying staff or banner with a cross paschal lamb. Faith; innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit. The perfection of martial affairs; emblem of knightly service; devotion to honour. Valiant and hardy warrior who enterprises hazardous things by force and courage. May represent great battles or tournaments beginning with that letter. See Sample Lions. One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory.

In some circles an annulet represented riches. Ant The symbol of the ant traditionally signified one who was a strong labourer, wise and provident in all his affairs. The ant is not a very common symbol in heraldry, but when depicted the ant is usually accompanied by a drawing of an anthill. Antelope The antelope which is also referred to as an ibex or a springbok has three main symbolic meanings in heraldry.

It represents someone who is skilful at music and a lover of harmony, someone with a keen mind for politics and the ability to foresee times and opportunities well, and lastly, a person who is unwilling to assail his enemies rashly, who would prefer to stand his ground than risk harming another wrongfully.

Thus the antelope signifies harmony, polity and peace. Early representations of the antelope did not look much like the real animal, as they were likely drawn from descriptions. That figure is now referred to as a heraldic antelope, as opposed to the later version, which has a more natural aspect. Antique Crown The crown is an emblem of victory, sovereignty, and empire. The word crown, blazoned without any additional details, usually implies a ducal coronet without a cap.

The eastern or antique crown has a gold rim with eight sharp, triangular rays, only five of which are seen. It is given to British subjects who have distinguished themselves in service in the East and it is also often born by merchants, the association being that they are like the magi.

Towns where these merchants had had a long-standing trade also often adopted eastern crowns into their arms. Anvil The symbol of the anvil borne on a shield or coat of arms indicates that the first bearer was a smith.

It is rarely found in heraldry. Ape In heraldry, the ape is a symbol of sin, malice, craftiness and lust. It is found as a charge on shields and crests, and also as a supported in coats of arms. A story exists that centuries ago, Thomas, the infant son of Maurice Fitzgerald, was snatched from his cradle by a tame ape, carried to the edge of the battlements at the top of the castle and safely retuned to his cradle.

The Fitzgerald crest commemorates this even with the image of an ape. Apples Apples signify liberality, felicity, peace and salvation. In heraldry, Arrows and arrowheads alone symbolize martial readiness. In the case of Polish armoury, bows and arrows signify a man resolved to challenge himself to the utmost in battle, and who has prepared himself to the fall in the fight. The pheon is as specific type of arrowhead of ancient origin, made of fine steel.

It is a cleverly designed weapon that was very dangerous since it has a barbed inner edge that makes extraction difficult. It symbolizes dexterity and nimbleness of wit, as people with these traits are able to penetrate and understand complicated problems. Badger The badger is an animal noted for his fierceness and courage in fighting to defend his home. The image of the badger is a symbol of bravery, perseverance and protection.

Bagwyn The bagwyn is an imaginary animal with a head drawn like a heraldic antelope, the body and tail of a horse and the horns long and curved backwards.

It is not commonly found in heraldry. Balance Balances have traditionally been a symbol of justice. They are still used today in heraldry as a symbol of an unbiased court system. Banner The banner is a sign of victory and self-assertion. Banners borne on the shield or as a crest are often references to a special military action where a flag was captured, otherwise an indication of gallant service. Banners may also indicate that a member of that family was once a standard-bearer.

There are very specific guidelines on the size of a banner designated for each rank, though it is doubtful whether they were followed very closely. The principle distinction between a banner and a flag, standard of pennon etc, is that a banneris always square while the others are elongated. As a charge in heraldry the banner is usually hung from the battlements of a castle or carried by the figure of some creature, such as the paschal lamb a holy lamb with a halo , which is nearly always depicted with a banner.

Barrel Barrels, casks or tuns were used to hold beer or wine. In heraldry, it is probably borne on arms to indicate that the original bearer was a vendor of beer or wine, or an innkeeper. It is usually figured lengthways, but if blazoned a hogshead or a tub it should maybe be drawn upright. Bars A bar is the diminutive of a fesse, which is a wide horizontal stripe in the centre of a shield. The rules of heraldry strictly state that there cannot be more than one fesse on a shield so if two charges with this character occur they are called bars and a single bar is narrower than a fesse.

The diminutive of the bar is the barrulet, which is almost always born in a pair of two barrulets, placed close together, referred to as one bar gemel. Bat The bat was an intimidating heraldic symbol used to inspire fear in enemies. Battering Ram The battering ram is an ancient war machine that is a symbol of determination, especially in war. The image of the battering ram may have also been granted to someone, who was greatly skilled it its use, or who was in charge of it during wartime.

It is not a device found frequently in heraldry and it does not resemble a real battering ram either. Battle Axe The battle-axe is a symbol of authority and of the execution of military duty. The battle-axe denoted a warlike quality in its bearer. The battle-axe was a veering introduced to heraldry as a token of the crusades, which began shortly after the rise of heraldry itself. Though other axes are used as devices in heraldry, the battle-axe is distinct because of its blade that it firmly mounted on the shaft and penetrates though it to the other side.

It is a common symbol on a crest. Beacon The beacon or cresset was an alarm signal placed on high hills, church towers or city gates. On crests it is drawn as an elevated basket overflowing with flames. In heraldry, the beacon signifies one who is watchful, or who gives the signal in times of danger. The hand beacon or pitch pot and the lantern are also symbols that represent spiritual illumination.

It may also indicate that the bearer was in charge of warning beacons. Bear The bear was thought to possess diplomacy equal to its great strength and it is the emblem of ferocity in the protection of kindred. Bears are often in the arms of names that sound somewhat like the animal such as Baring and Barnes.

The bear is usually muzzled but not always. Beaver The beaver denotes industry, perseverance and determination. Bee In heraldry, the bee is a sign of industry, creativity, wealth, diligence and eloquence. The Egyptians used it as a symbol of regal power. In armoury, it is used to represent well-governed industry. The Emperor Napoleon gave the bee considerable importance in the French armoury by adopting it as his personal badge.

They also appeared on the mantle and pavilion around the armorial bearings of the empire, as well as on his coronation mantle. The bee is undoubtedly the most popular insect found in heraldry, and even the beehive occurs often as a crest. Bell Bells signify the supposed power of church-bells to disperse evil spirits in the air and their invocation of guardian saints and angels.

Bend The bend is a broad, diagonal band across the shield representing either a scarf worn like a sash, or the shield suspender of a knight or military commander.

The bend signifies defence or protection, and is a bearing of high honour. Unless it is specified otherwise the bend is assumed to go from the upper right corner of a shield to the lower left.

According to old theorists the bend should occupy one third of the surface of a shield, though it is usually drawn slightly more narrowly than this. The bend sinister has been used occasionally as a mark of illegitimacy though this is not commonly the case. More often a bendlet sinister is used, or a baton sinister, which is a bendlet that does not extern to the very edges of the shield.

It is represented by a gold roundel, a roundel being a general name applied to any circular charges of colour or metal. It is thought that the bezant, also sometimes called a talent, was introduced into armoury at the time of the Crusades. It is the emblem of justice and of equal dealing among people. In heraldry, the sign of the bezant is borne by those deemed worthy of trust and treasure. Billet The billet represents a letter folded for transmission.

It has the form of a plain rectangle and it occurs more frequently when a field of a superior charge is described as billette or seme, which means that there are many small billets distributed over it, alternating in the pattern of bricks. In heraldry, it may indicate that the man granted a coat of arms with this charge was a man whose words and deeds were deemed trustworthy.

It has also been suggested that lawyers and men of letters often adopted the sign of the billet. The best-known instance where this charge was used was in the shield borne overt he arms of England during the joint reign of William and Mary.

Boar The boar and its various parts are frequently met with in heraldry. The boar is the symbol of intrepidness. A champion among wild beasts, he encounters enemies with nobility and courage, and has thus come to signify the traits of bravery and perseverance. The boar is a fierce combatant when at bay and never ceases to resist, even when cornered.

This device was given only to those considered fierce warriors. Books If open, as in the arms of the University of Oxford, the book signifies manifestation.

The bible is frequently mentioned as the book represented in the crest or arms, though it would not appear any differently than a regular book. Books may also have clasps or seals that must be mentioned in the blazon. Bordure The bordure is, as it sounds, a fairly wide border around the outside of a shield. Except for in more modern grants where the bordure is an original part of the shield, there is little doubt that the bordure is either a mark of cadency, displaying the status of a younger son or brother, or a mark of illegitimacy.

In heraldry, the bordure is no longer used for these purposes; except for in England where a bordure wavy is still a mark of illegitimacy and the bordure compony serves the same purpose in Scotland.

This is by no means a mark of dishonour though; it is merely a heraldic tradition carried over from the days when it was necessary to distinguish the rightful heirs from others who might have some claim to the family title and fortune.

The orle is the diminutive of a bordure and looks like the frame of a shield within the shield rather than a border. It is about half the width or a bordure.

It was used as a mark to distinguish the arms of one branch of a family from those of another, and in some cases the orlewas used as a symbol of honour. Bucket Though their appearance is quite different, the function and symbolic meaning of a water-bouget and a bucket are similar in heraldry. A water-bouget is a bag made from the skin of a goat or sheep what was used for carrying water on military expeditions.

The apparatus looks like a yoke with two large bags hanging down from it and a stick that goes through both attachments to form handles on either side. Water-bougets and buckets were conferred on those who had supplied water to an army of a besieged place. The bucket is merely the more modern way of transporting water. The common well bucket is usually the type born in arms, but they can also be hooped or have feet. They are also sometimes blazoned dossers, a term that indicates two buckets hooked to a loop and carried over the back of a pack animal.

Buckle The buckle signifies self-defence and protection, as well as victorious fidelity in authority. The buckle appears quite often in heraldry, sometimes oval shaped, circular of square; they are most often shaped like a heraldic lozenge, though, or a diamond with sides of equal length, especially in the armoury of the continent.

A buckle occurs in the arms of the Prussian Counts of Wallenrodt, and it is used as a badge by the Earls of Yarborough and Chichester. Bull A bull in a coat of arms, on a crest or a shield, represents valour and magnanimity, bravery and generosity.

The horns represent strength and fortitude. Oxen, and cows also appear on some crests and arms, although rarely and more often as a pun on a names such as Oxford or the town of Cowbridge. Calves are more common in heraldry. The calf is an ancient heraldic symbol traditionally associated with the characteristics of patience, submissiveness and self-sacrifice.

Caltrap A Caltrap or gal trap, and sometimes a cheval trap, was an ancient military instrument with four points, arranged so that when it was thrown on the ground, it always landed on three of the four points, with the fourth pointing up.

Caltraps were scattered in the path of an enemy to impede and endanger the horses. The emblem of the Caltrap in heraldry indicates a fierce warrior in battle.

Camel The camel signifies temperance, patience and perseverance. In ancient times it may have been used as a sign of royalty and dignity. Cameleopard The medieval name for an ordinary giraffe was a cameleopard. It was a widely held belief that crosses between animals existed, just as the mule existed and was a cross between a horse and a donkey. The camel and the leopard were well known animals at that time and it was likely that a crusader in the east saw an unknown animal and either he accounted for it this way or it was theorized far away at home, that the giraffe was the creature that was begotten by a leopard and a camel.

The scarcity of these animals was further explained by the knowledge that such hybrids, like the mule, can not reproduce. Castle In heraldry, the castle has often been granted to one who has faithfully held a castle for his sovereign, or who has captured on by force or stratagem. The castle signifies spiritual power and vigilance on the watch as well as home and safety.

The tower is very similar to this and is an emblem of grandeur and society. The visual difference between a tower and a castle is that a tower is a single column topped by a turret, and a castle usually has two towers joined by a wall with a door in it. This was a distinction that was rarely observed in ancient days, but now it is faithfully adhered to.

Cat A symbol of a great cat, or a cat-a-mountain, which refers to a wildcat, signifies liberty, vigilance and courage in heraldry.

Cats can be in many different positions like the lion, but they are most often blazoned passant, walking with right forepaw raised. A cat-a-mountain is supposed to always be guardant, or on guard, with the head completely facing the observer. Cats are most common in Scottish or Irish arms.

Celestial Crown The crown is an emblem of victory, sovereignty, and empire in heraldry. The celestial crown closely resembles and eastern crown, having eight sharp, triangular rays, only five of which are seen m, with the addition of a five-pointed star on each ray. It was an ornament that frequently represented the achievements of deceased ladies and it was also often given to people or institutions connected with the church.

Centaur Centaurs are well known creatures that are half man and half horse. King Stephen is said to have assumed the symbol of Sagittarius because the sun was in that sign when he ascended the throne. Chains Chains are a symbolic representation of reward for acceptable and weighty service. They are frequently met with in continental heraldry, particularly in southern France and Spain, and they are also accessories to more common charges, for example the portcullis.

They are often accompanied by crowns and collars, meaning that the owner of that symbol is chained by a sense of obligation to the people that he serves or rules. For this reason, chains and collars are also marks of honour for sheriffs and mayors, and formerly, for knights. Chaplet A chaplet is a wreath without stems or ribbon, made of oak, laurel or other leaves, and carrying flowers, usually roses. In heraldry, it is a symbol of fame and is frequently part of a crest.

There is also a chaplet that looks like a plain, broad circlet, charged at four regular intervals with stars, roses or other objects. A chaplet of oak and acorns is called a civic crown, but more frequently the chaplet is synonymous with wreath or garland, which is commonly made of laurel and roses. Chess-rook A chess-rook is also called a castle, and may have been granted to those who had captured or defended castles.

It may also have denoted one who was skilful in influencing others to act to his own benefit, as the chess player moves his pieces in the game.

It is an ancient bearing in heraldry and it also occurs quite frequently. It is a device used by the Earls of Rochford.

Chevron The chevron occurs very frequently in British and French heraldry, and is comparatively rare in German heraldry. It signifies protection. The chevron was granted to those who had participated in some notable enterprise, had built churches or fortresses, or had accomplished some work requiring faithful service. Now it is drawn lower and with a less acute inner angle to allow more devices to be represented more attractively, and an artist may draw the chevron at the height and angle that will best suit the accompanying charges.

The chevronel, is a diminutive of the chevron and is much narrower. Chevronels may be stacked on top of each other or side-by-side at the same height, which is termed, interlaced or braced. Chief The chief is a broad band across the top of the shield that stands for authority and domination of will. The chief has often been granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom, as well as for successful command in war.

The chief is never surmounted by any other ordinary a simple background symbol except for in very exceptional cases. A chief is also never couped cut off before reaching the edges of the shield or cottised surrounded closely by smaller bars , and it has no diminutive.

Chimera The chimera is a very odd looking creature in heraldry with the head abreast of a woman, the forepaws of a lion, the body of a goat, the hind-legs of a griffin the legs of a lion and claws of an eagle , and the tail of a dragon. It is not found it heraldry very often and is not unlike the sphinx in many ways.

Cloud The cloud, the symbol of the ethereal heights of heaven, represents the quality of higher truth. They are very seldom used as bearings on arms but quite frequently arms are represented as issuing from them, particularly in French arms. Cock As the herald of the dawn, the cock is symbolic of the sun. It is also a bird of great courage in battle that will fight, if necessary, to the death. Therefore, in heraldry, it is an emblem of vigilance and courage.

The cock is also used as a Christian image of the resurrection. The gamecock in heraldry refers to a slightly different symbol of a cock without its comb and wattles, as was the case when birds were prepared for cockfighting.

This symbol is less common, though, than a regular domestic cock. Cockatrice The cockatrice is a fabulous king of serpents, with the head and legs of a cock, the wings of a dragon, and a scaly body, also like a dragon, that flows into a long barbed tail.

It can also be called a basilisk, of which legends say was produced from an egg laid by a nine-year-old cock, and hatched by a toad on a dunghill. Its breath and sight were so poisonous that they would kill all who came within range. Thus, the cockatrice is a potent symbol of terror. The heraldic basilisk is supposed to have a tail that terminates in the head of a dragon, though if such an example exists, it is very uncommon in heraldry.

Cockfish The cockfish is drawn very much as it sounds with the head and upper-body of a cock terminating in the lower-body and tail of a fish. It is a very uncommon symbol in heraldry. Column Columns symbolize fortitude and constancy. It is a metaphorical heraldic device, implying that its bearer supports others who are weaker. A serpent coiled round a column signifies wisdom with fortitude. Columns, also called pillars, commonly resemble ones of the Tuscan order bur are often otherwise specified.

Plain Norman shafts with cushion capitals can also be found. The capital, the base and the pedestal are sometimes mentioned in the blazon. Comb In heraldry, the comb is the common attribute of certain mythical female beings such as lamias, sirens, and mermaids, whose usual pose is with mirror and comb in hand. It have sometimes been given to those who were said to have fought or resisted the temptations of such dangerous types, but heraldry the combmore often refers to a wool-comb or the combs used in the textile industry, which is not an uncommon heraldic device.

The wool-comb, also called a jersey-comb or a flax-comb, looks like a small rake. Another type is the currycomb, though this is exceptionally uncommon and has no definite representation. In heraldry, it never exists alone, but accompanies one of the ordinaries at all times. An ordinary is said to be cottised when it is set between a pair of cotises and an ordinary may be double or treble cottised with two or three cotises on either side. Crab The crab is a symbol of great strength and power in gripping and holding.

It occurs on the coats of arms of several families. The sign of the lobster in heraldry is also a symbol of prodigious gripping and holding power in its bearer and the symbols of its claws occur in arms more frequently than its entire body.

Crane According to legend, cranes lived in a community in where individual members took turns standing watch. The sentry crane held a stone in one claw so that if it dozed, the falling stone would wake the bird. The stork and the heron, also called a herne, are very similar to the crane. Both birds were emblems of filial duty and gratitude or obligation, and like cranes, storks were believed to stand watch for each other.

All three birds are usually depicted with wings close, the crane in its vigilance and the stork holding a snake, while the heron often holds an eel. It is also borne as a symbol of the hope of greater glory in heraldry. Knights returning from the crusades introduced the crescent, the badge of Islam, into the language of heraldry.

The heraldic crescent has a very deep base and curving horns that quickly sharpen to point close together. Crescents also represent the moon that lights the night sky for travellers, though it does not resemble the shape of a crescent moon very closely. The reversed crescent is a crescent with the horns turned down. Crocodile The crocodile was a mysterious and legendary beast to most people in ancient times and it was a powerful emblem of fury and power.

The uncertainty of the drawings means that in reference to the symbol in heraldry, the crocodile is frequently interchanged with alligator. Crown The crown is an emblem of victory, sovereignty, and empire in heraldry. The word crown blazoned without any additional details usually implies a ducal coronet without a cap. Crown Vallary The crown is an emblem of victory, sovereignty, and empire in heraldry. A crown palisade is the name of a crown with palisades on the rim forming the spikes of the crown.

This can either look like the pickets of a fence, or less correctly, like the silhouette of small houses side by side with every other one upside down, with the roof of each upside down one cut out of the metal. The latter description is called a champagne border.

It is said that Roman Generals awarded the crown palisado to the one who entered the camp of the enemy first after breaking thorough their outworks. Cup In the heraldic tradition, the vase and similar vessels are considered symbols of fertility in heraldry. The cup, covered or uncovered, is also sometimes representative of the chalice used in the communion or the Mass. It may also be used as a symbol of faith. Other vessels in heraldry include, drinking glasses, bowls, a pitcher, and posts, such as a pot of lilies.

Cushions Cushions have been looked on as marks of authority in heraldry, and have been borne by several noble families. Cushions appear in heraldry more often that one might think. They actually appear to be quite ancient symbols, especially in Scottish heraldry. Dogs were considered loyal and temperate and the dog is a symbol of a skilled hunter. It was also associated with priests since priests were watchdogs against the devil.

There are several differently named dogs blazoned on coats of arms. The leverer or levrier is the oldest name; the Talbot is and English hound. Dolphin The dolphin is an emblem of safe travel, as well as kindness and charity. Though the dolphin is now known to be a mammal and not a fish at all, older heralds considered it the king of fish, just as the lion was king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds.

From the 13th century onwards the dolphin was the badge of the county of Dauphine in France and was borne by the Dauphins who were styled lords of Auvergne. In the 14thcentury the title of Dauphin was adopted as the title of the eldest son of the King of France, so the charge was frequently found in the arms of the royal heir.

The dolphin is always drawn curved or embowed, though a dolphin is in reality straight. It can be upright, swimming or ever swallowing a fish. Dove The dove is a symbol of the soul and of the Holy Spirit. It signifies peace, gentleness and purity. In heraldry the dove has one interesting peculiarity: it is always depicted with a slight tuft on its head, possible to distinguish it from a the century, which is very much like it.

Many examples exist of a dove with an olive branch in its beak and an ordinary heraldic dove is represented with its wings close holding sprig. It can also be found, though, Volant and with its wings outstretched.

The dove is frequently found in the arms granted to Bishops, and it was a symbol used by St. Edward the Confessor, and ancient high king of England. Dragon The dragon is supposed to have a keen sight, which enables it to guard treasures well. It is also said to be the most valiant of creatures; therefore, the dragon is a symbol of a most valiant defender of treasure. Dragons were perceived as powerful, protective, and with barbed tongues and have wings like bats with the ribs extending to the very edge of the skin.

In heraldry, great differences can be found in the way their ears are drawn and in almost all modern representations the tail is barbed, though the dragons of the Tudor period in England invariably had smooth tails. The Chinese dragon is slightly different in that it has no wings; it is occasionally used in European coats of arms. Another creature called a hydra is a seven-headed dragon, which also appears in some instances. Duck Ducks can elude their enemies in many ways, either by flying, running, swimming or diving for cover; therefore, they are a symbol for a person of many resources.

Ducks may be referred to by many names such as drake, mallard, teal, eider-duck, moorhen, and Sheldrake. They all refer to the same symbol, though, except for the shoveller or sholarde, which is distinguished by a tuft on the back of its head and its breast. In addition, the gannet is a duck represented without beak or legs.

Eagle The eagle was a symbol born by men of action, occupied with high and weighty affairs. It was given to those of lofty spirit, ingenuity, speed in comprehension, and discrimination in matters of ambiguity.

The wings signify protection, and the gripping talons symbolize ruin to evildoers. The eagle is held to represent a noble nature from its strength and aristocratic appearance, as well as its association with the ancient kings of Persia, Babylon and the Roman legions, having been the official ensign of those empires.

Since then, other empires and nations have also adopted the eagle as their symbol, such as the German third reich and the empire conquered by Napoleon. The eagle has been represented over the centuries in a variety of different ways: wingtips pointed up or down, wings closed or rising or the eagle displayed from above with one or two heads.

An interesting form of the eagle is the alerion, which is drawn without the beak or the legs. It is thought to represent a formerly great warrior who was seriously injured in combat and is no longer able to fight. The osprey may also be classed with the eagle. It is always represented as a white eagle and is referred to in heraldry as a sea-eagle. Elephant The elephant is a symbol of huge strength and stature, wisdom and courage. In heraldry, it is a very appropriate bearing for those who have distinguished themselves in the East.

Enfield The enfield is a fictitious animal with the head of a fox, chest of a greyhound, forelegs of an eagle, body of a lion, and hind legs and tail of a wolf. It occurs often in Irish heraldry. Escallop The escallop is one of the most widely used heraldic symbols in all countries.

Before the days of heraldry the symbol was the emblem of St. James, the patron saint of pilgrims and consequently the escallop was introduced into armoury to signify a soldier who had make long journeys or voyages to far countries, borne considerable naval command, or gained great victories. It is an emblem of safe travel and is found on the shields of many families during the time of the crusades. Because its shells, once separated, can never be rejoined, the escallop is also an emblem of fidelity.

Escarbuncle The escarbuncle is a symbol of supremacy in heraldry and it is an interesting example of a charge developed by the evolution of the shield itself. In ancient warfare iron bands stemming from the centre and radiating outwards were used to strengthen the shield for better protection in battle. Over time the pattern made by these brands was adopted as a charge and called in heraldic terms an escarbuncle. However, it is also accepted as a representation of a brilliant gem.

AW lector was a civil officer who attended and carried the faces before a Roman consul, both to indicate his status as an important person and to clear a way through the crowds. Thus, it indicated a superior magistrate, but it also symbolized the power over life and death that he might have, for example, as a judge. In heraldry, this symbol of magisterial office was often included in grants of arms to Mayors and Lord Mayors.

Falcon In heraldry, the falcon or hawk signifies someone who was hot or eager in the pursuit of an object much desired. It is frequently found in the coats of arms of nobility, form the time when the falcon played an important social role in the sport of kings and nobles.

The falcon is indistinguishable, in heraldry, from the sparrow-hawk, goshawk, kite, or merlin, though they may be described that way in blazon. Feathers Feathers are a very common charge in heraldry, which is not surprising considering that during a tournament helmets were more frequently ornamented with feathers than with family crests.

Consequently, the plume became the actual, inheritable family crest for many families. Feathers signify willing obedience and serenity of mind.

A plume is a term usually reserved for a grouping of five or more feathers. If they are arranged in two rows it is called a double plume, and in three a triple plume, etc. Peacock continental heraldry feathers often adorn the sides of crests as well as appear as more central charges. When a feather is crossed at the quill by a scroll of parchment it is called an escrol. The is the device that appears on the shields of the Edward the Black Prince, the son and heir of King Edward III, who bore three escrols on a field of black.

Fer de Moline A fer de Moline, or mill-rind is the iron clamp in the centre of a grindstone that provides support. It represents industry and purpose and may also have been used as the sign of a miller. Fesse The fesse is a broad, horizontal band across the centre of the shield that represents the military belt and girdle of honour of the ancients. It signifies that the bearer must always be in readiness to act for the well being of the people. It is supposed to occupy a full third of the height of the shield, though it is seldom drawn this way, and it is subject to the lines of partition.

Its position is directly across the centre of the shield unless the fesse is described as enhanced or abased. There can only be one fesse on a shield. If more that one is present they are termed bars. Whatever the case, it is an emblem of victory. The fetterlock is as honourable bearing in heraldry that may have represented someone in the middle Ages who had taken his enemy prisoner, or who could, by either his prowess or his charity, redeem any of his fellow soldiers ransomed in captivity.

It is also referred to by the names of shacklebolt, shackbolt or manacle. Sir Walter Scott represents King Richard I bearing the fetterlock as his device when proceeding to the release of Ivanhoe. Fish Fish are held to be suitable marks for military families as they are symbols of prowess and fortitude. They are also symbols of the forces of industry and science, and emblems of the Christian faith of the bearer, especially in early coats of arms. Rose: mark of the seventh son a red rose symbolises grace and beauty while a white rose means love and faith.

Animals were frequently used as a main charge in coats of arms. They were shown in certain traditional postures usually in positions of combat. Usually the animals chosen were fierce and ferocious looking or they represented positive traits such as wisdom, resourcefulness and loyalty. Dove: loving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit; with an olive branch in its bill, it signifies a harbinger of good tidings.

Eagle: person of noble nature, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious. If wings are displayed, it signifies protection. An eagle with two heads symbolises conjoining forces. Fish: a true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment.

Lamb: gentleness and patience under suffering. A lamb carrying a staff or banner with a cross is a paschal lamb which represents faith, innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, and a resolute spirit. Some mythological creatures were also used on coats of arms and crests with specific significance in heraldry.

Griffin head, wings, and talons of an eagle with the body of a lion : valour and death-defying bravery; vigilance. Crosses on crests are usually symbolic of some Christian experience or sentiment. Figures such as angels and deities represent dignity, glory and honour. Seraphim angel with three pairs of wings : dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news. Bells: power to disperse evil spirits. A hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war.

Chains: reward for acceptable and weighty service.