annulet

American  

[an-yuh-lit] / ˈæn yə lɪt /

noun

1. Also called bandelet, bandlet.  Also called square and rabbet.  Architecture. an encircling band, molding, or fillet, as on the shaft of a column.

2. Entomology. a ring, usually colored, around or on the surface of an organ.

3. Heraldry. a ring, represented as a voided roundel, used especially as the cadence mark of a fifth son.

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annulet British  

/ ˈænjʊlɪt /

noun

1. architect a moulding in the form of a ring, as at the top of a column adjoining the capital

2. heraldry a ring-shaped device on a shield; hollow roundel

3. a little ring

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Etymology

Origin of annulet

1565–75; < Latin annul ( us ) ring ( annulus ) + -et; replacing earlier anlet < Anglo-French anelet, diminutive of Old French anel ring < Latin ānellus ring

Example Sentences

The Pakingtons of Worcester quarter Ermine on a fesse componé or, and az. an annulet for Arden.

From Shakespeare's Family by Stopes, C. C. (Charlotte Carmichael)

Rochford Quarterly &c. an annulet on the 2nd quarter Rochford B. crucilly a lyon rampant arg. bis   Arg.

From Records of Woodhall Spa and Neighbourhood Historical, Anecdotal, Physiographical, and Archaeological, with Other Matter by Walter, James Conway

Thus, the eldest son bears a label; the second a crescent; the third a mullet; the fourth a martlet; the fifth an annulet; and the sixth a fleur-de-lis.

From The Curiosities of Heraldry by Lower, Mark Antony

Per fesse indented quarterly or and sable, in each quarter an annulet counterchanged.

From Notes and Queries, Number 43, August 24, 1850 by Various

Rochfort Rochfort with an annulet in the 2nd quarter, arg.

From A History of Horncastle from the earliest period to the present time by Walter, James Conway