coat of arms

[koht uhv ahrmz]

noun

1. the main part of an identifying design in heraldry that is usually depicted on a drawing of a shield.

   The Prince of Wales' coat of arms is a dragon.

2. an identifying design in heraldry that is used by a person or by family groups and that usually includes a drawing of a shield bearing other important identifying designs, and any mottos, banners, crests, etc., that surround that drawing.

   Her family was given a coat of arms when she married into the royal family.

3. a surcoat or tabard embroidered with an identifying design used in heraldry, worn by medieval knights over their armor.

coat of arms

noun

1. the heraldic bearings of a person, family, or corporation

2. a surcoat decorated with family or personal bearings

Word History and Origins

Origin of coat of arms¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; parallel to French cotte d'armes

Example Sentences

The King will sit in a purpose-made seat, decorated with the King's coat of arms, which will stay in place for the King's future use and his successors.

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King Charles's coat of arms will feature on the front of all new passports from December, the Home Office has said.

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The lake can be seen through a new manorial gate topped with a coat of arms designed for Schwarzman after his knighthood.

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On the walls are royal portraits and suits of armour and the ceiling is studded with the coats of arms of Knights of the Garter.

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Wearing a rainbow T-shirt featuring the capitals coat of arms, Mayor Gergely Karacsony, who appeared at Hungary's National Bureau of Investigation on Friday, told supporters: "Neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest".

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