bend sinister

American  

noun

Heraldry.

1. a diagonal band extending from the sinister chief of an escutcheon to the dexter base: a supposed mark of bastardy.

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bend sinister British  

noun

1. heraldry a diagonal line bisecting a shield from the top right to the bottom left, typically indicating a bastard line

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Etymology

Origin of bend sinister

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

That in heraldry, a bend sinister indicates bastardy.

From New York Times

To which I could only reply, "Madam, I have never yet discovered the bend sinister on our escutcheon."

From Project Gutenberg

That a market should be held upon the Sabbath in this city, is a "bend sinister" upon its escutcheon.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a diminutive of the bend sinister, of which it is one-fourth in width, couped or cut short at the ends, so as not to touch the corners of the shield.

From Project Gutenberg

There were several generations of them, and used for their arms those of Bonville with the addition of a bend sinister; they also became extinct.

From Project Gutenberg