mantling

[ mant-ling ]

noun

, Heraldry.

1. a decorative piece of cloth represented as hanging from a torse so as to cover the sides and rear of a helmet and often so as to frame the escutcheon below.

mantling

/ ˈmæntlɪŋ /

noun

1. heraldry the drapery or scrollwork around a shield

Word History and Origins

Origin of mantling¹

First recorded in 1500–10; mantle + -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of mantling¹

C16: from mantle

Example Sentences

This gesture is called “mantling,” and it’s a fine description of reading Mantel’s work.

From New York Times

As he gobbled the bloody morsel, he spread his wings, fanned his tail and arched his body over the food — an instinct known as mantling, protecting the prey from other predators.

From New York Times

The hawklet then covered the entire meal with his wings, a behavior known as mantling, which hawks employ to hide their kills from other birds of prey who might be flying by.

From Washington Post

He saw the superb polish, the fresh padding, and the new mantling set behind.

From Literature

Still, there’s something undeniably cathartic about gliding along ramps that feel like racetrack curves, mantling and vaulting between platforms while dispatching bad guys with the panache of a boss.

From Time

Related Words

• animated
• bright
• brilliant
• dazzling
• glistening
• glittering
• lively
• scintillating
• shimmering
• shining
• spirited
• starry