heraldry

American  

[her-uhl-dree] / ˈhɛr əl dri /

noun

heraldries plural

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.

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heraldry British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• heraldist
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• heraldries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of heraldry

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

Explanation

Heraldry is the study of designs on coats of arms — the official symbols or emblems of royal and noble families — which have appeared on flags and shields throughout history. Heraldry is the art of designing emblems that are meant to represent families, states, or organizations, as well as the study of the significance behind the designs, including family genealogies. The original function of heraldry was to distinguish troops from each other, making it clear who soldiers were fighting with and against. The ancient root of the word heraldry means "war."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heraldry heraldries

The B-52s are heading to the UK in June, as part of their ever-extending farewell tour, and Pierson is using the trip as an excuse to indulge her fascination with British heraldry.

From BBC ● Mar. 17, 2026

As the remaining spellers dwindled, Shradha was given “orle,” a heraldry term that means several small charges arranged to form a border within the edge of a field.

From Seattle Times ● May 28, 2024

It is a signature feature of French heraldry.

From New York Times ● Jan. 21, 2022

Their instantly recognizable horn-heavy heraldry inspires global goose bumps in an internationally understood language, and I’m as helpless against their peals and charms as I am against, say, Rave Horse.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 2, 2021

Hurd is wearing a casual robe and turban, and before him are two books, one of them devoted to heraldry from which he culled the coats of arms he needed for his work.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Any quantity of heraldries of knaves and fainéants you may find in what they call their 'history': but this is probably the first time you ever read the name of Robert of Luzarches.

From Our Fathers Have Told Us Part I. The Bible of Amiens by Ruskin, John

The place had formerly been a German restaurant, with Teuton scrolls, "Ich Dien," and heraldries on its walls.

From There's Pippins and Cheese to Come by Brooks, Charles S. (Charles Stephen)

Above all, and out of his own private purse, he supported the heraldries of his dominions—the peerage, senatorial or prætorian, and the great gentry or chivalry of the Equites.

From The Caesars by De Quincey, Thomas

The passage continues with "there" and "thither" repeated eight times; it bristles with contrasts, graces and horrors, antithesis, climax, and sonorous heraldries.

From Studies in Early Victorian Literature by Harrison, Frederic

Each empty, open casque now seems Like to the helms of heraldries, Save for two strange and livid gleams That issue forth in threatening wise.

From Enamels and Cameos and other Poems by Lee, Agnes

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