heraldry

[ her-uhl-dree ]

noun

, plural her·ald·ries.

1. the science of armorial bearings.
2. the art of blazoning armorial bearings, of settling the rights of persons to bear arms or to use certain bearings, of tracing and recording genealogies, of recording honors, and of deciding questions of precedence.
3. the office or duty of a herald.
4. a heraldic device, or a collection of such devices.
5. a coat of arms; armorial bearings.
6. heraldic symbolism.
7. heraldic pomp or ceremony:

   The coronation was marked by all the magnificence of heraldry.

heraldry

/ ˈhɛrəldrɪ /

noun

1. the occupation or study concerned with the classification of armorial bearings, the allocation of rights to bear arms, the tracing of genealogies, etc
2. the duties and pursuit of a herald
3. armorial bearings, insignia, devices, etc
4. heraldic symbols or symbolism
5. the show and ceremony of heraldry

Derived Forms

• ˈheraldist, noun

Other Words From

• herald·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heraldry¹

1350–1400; Middle English. See herald, -ry

Example Sentences

William Berry, an English author, died at Bristol, aged 77; author of various works on genealogy and heraldry.

From Project Gutenberg

Sidney was very fond of heraldry, and not a little proud of his right to display the bear and ragged staff.

From Project Gutenberg

In heraldry, “fimbriate” or “fimbriated” refers to a narrow edge or border running round a bearing.

From Project Gutenberg

The "foolish business" of Heraldry has supplied the motive for numerous packs of cards.

From Project Gutenberg

Most writers agree in assigning the origin of heraldry, in the modern acceptation of the term, to the crusades.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• logo
• symbol
• trademark