armorial

American  

[ahr-mawr-ee-uhl, -mohr-] / ɑrˈmɔr i əl, -ˈmoʊr- /

adjective

1. of or relating to heraldry or heraldic bearings.

2. bearing a coat or coats of arms.

   a set of armorial china.

---

noun

1. a book containing heraldic bearings and devices.

armorial British  

/ ɑːˈmɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to heraldry or heraldic arms

---

noun

1. a book of coats of arms

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unarmorial
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of armorial

First recorded in 1570–80; armory + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Armorial bearings appear on shields at the sides of the tomb.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Salisbury A Description of its Fabric and a Brief History of the See of Sarum by White, Gleeson

Genealogies, the Records of the Descents and Alliances of Families, are necessarily associated with the Armorial Ensigns borne by those Families, and by the several Members and Branches of them.

From The Handbook to English Heraldry by Utting, R. B.

Armorial Bearings.—Work the arms and crest in silk, as brilliancy is the thing here principally required.

From The Ladies' Work-Table Book Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in Plain and Fancy Needlework, Embroidery, Knitting, Netting and Crochet by Anonymous

Journ. lvi., and “Origin of Armorial Bearings” in Ib. li.;

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4 "Cincinnatus" to "Cleruchy" by Various

Crests, Badges, Supporters, and other external accessories and ornaments of Armorial Shields have no place on Banners, a Banner representing a Shield, and being charged 250 as a Shield.

From The Handbook to English Heraldry by Utting, R. B.