mascle

[mas-kuhl]

noun

Heraldry.

1. a lozenge represented as having a lozenge-shaped hole at the center.

mascle

/ ˈmɑːskəl /

noun

1. Also called: voided lozenge. heraldry a charge consisting of a lozenge with a lozenge-shaped hole in the middle

Word History and Origins

Origin of mascle¹

1300–50; Middle English, derivative of mask (now dial.), variant of mesh; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of mascle¹

C14: from Old French macle, perhaps from Latin macula spot

Example Sentences

Also it is one of the notable achievements of the English writers on heraldry that they should have allotted to the lozenge, when borne voided, the name of Mascle.

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This “mascle” is the word of the oldest armorists for the unvoided charge, the voided being sometimes described by them as a lozenge, without further qualifications.

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Fortunately the difficulty can be solved by following the late 14th-century custom in distinguishing between “lozenges” and “voided lozenges” and by abandoning altogether this misleading word Mascle.

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At the siege of Carlaverok a certain knight is described as having his armour and vestments ‘masculy or and azure:’ “Son harnois et son attire Avoit masclé de or et de azure.”

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The mascle is taken for the mesh of a net.

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