coat of arms

American  

[koht uhv ahrmz] / ˈkoʊt əv ˈɑrmz /

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.

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coat of arms British  

noun

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

2. a surcoat decorated with family or personal bearings

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Etymology

Origin of coat of arms

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.

From BBC

Passports featuring Queen Elizabeth II's coat of arms would remain valid until their expiry date, the government said.

From BBC

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From BBC

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".

From BBC