bend sinister

noun

Heraldry.

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

bend sinister

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bend sinister¹

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

That in heraldry, a bend sinister indicates bastardy.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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