martlet

[ mahrt-lit ]

noun

1. British Dialect. a house martin.
2. Heraldry. a representation of a swallow close and without legs, used especially as the cadency mark of a fourth son.

martlet

/ ˈmɑːtlɪt /

noun

1. an archaic name for a martin
2. heraldry a footless bird often found in coats of arms, standing for either a martin or a swallow

Word History and Origins

Origin of martlet¹

1530–40; < Middle French martelet, variant of martinet; martin, -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of martlet¹

C16: from French martelet, variant of martinet, diminutive of martin

Example Sentences

No, mother; old Ben Martlet said something of that kind to me this morning.

From Project Gutenberg

Martlet and I both feel that we must have the north-west tower.

From Project Gutenberg

The Swallow, as distinct from the martlet, is sometimes met with.

From Project Gutenberg

Most heraldry books state also that the martlet has no beak.

From Project Gutenberg

Gates of wrought iron, with perhaps a martlet from the Byrd coat of arms above them, swung between tall pillars in the wall.

From Project Gutenberg