king-of-arms

American  

[king-uhv-ahrmz] / ˈkɪŋ əvˈɑrmz /

noun

plural

kings-of-arms

1. a title of certain of the principal heralds of England and certain other kingdoms empowered by their sovereigns to grant armorial bearings.

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king-of-arms British  

noun

1. the highest rank of heraldic officer, itself divided into the ranks of Garter, Clarenceaux, and Norroy and Ulster. In Scotland the first is Lyon

2. a person holding this rank

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Etymology

Origin of king-of-arms

First recorded in 1400–50, king-of-arms is from late Middle English king of armes. See king, arm ²

Example Sentences

As a reply to these demands, the Regent despatched the lyon king-of-arms to make proclamation that all should "avoid the toune under pane of treasone."

From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 10 by Rudd, John

"The king-of-arms, whose name was Jerusalem, answered: "'My lord, Tirant, I promise you by the office I hold and by the oath I have sworn, to keep everything you tell me secret.'

From The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc by Rudder, Robert S.

But according to the requirements of our office I could not be your judge, and I will tell you why: No knight, king-of-arms or herald who gives advice can be a judge.

From The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc by Rudder, Robert S.

Norroy King of Arms, a name given to the third king-of-arms, whose province is on the N. side of the Trent, the one on the S. side being called Clarencieux.

From The Nuttall Encyclopædia Being a Concise and Comprehensive Dictionary of General Knowledge by Nuttall, P. Austin

Lyon is also king-of-arms for the national order of the Thistle.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various