Advertisement

Advertisement

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of martlet1

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of martlet1

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

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Martin Vmartnet