heraldry

[ her-uhl-dree ]

noun

, plural her·ald·ries.

1. the science of armorial bearings.
2. the art of blazoning armorial bearings, of settling the rights of persons to bear arms or to use certain bearings, of tracing and recording genealogies, of recording honors, and of deciding questions of precedence.
3. the office or duty of a herald.
4. a heraldic device, or a collection of such devices.
5. a coat of arms; armorial bearings.
6. heraldic symbolism.
7. heraldic pomp or ceremony:

   The coronation was marked by all the magnificence of heraldry.

heraldry

/ ˈhɛrəldrɪ /

noun

1. the occupation or study concerned with the classification of armorial bearings, the allocation of rights to bear arms, the tracing of genealogies, etc
2. the duties and pursuit of a herald
3. armorial bearings, insignia, devices, etc
4. heraldic symbols or symbolism
5. the show and ceremony of heraldry

Derived Forms

• ˈheraldist, noun

Other Words From

• herald·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heraldry¹

1350–1400; Middle English. See herald, -ry

Example Sentences

As the remaining spellers dwindled, Shradha was given “orle,” a heraldry term that means several small charges arranged to form a border within the edge of a field.

From Seattle Times

These are disparate images, some historical, some contemporary, all variations on the circle: heraldry, Aztec symbols, currency, images of the sun and of star patterns, a manhole cover, a disco ball.

From New York Times

In “New Heraldry,” Seattle artist Sara Osebold imagines a new world after “total collapse,” through canvas drawings and clay sculptures imprinted with mysterious, textlike symbols and ceramic fragments found in mucky Seattle creek beds.

From Seattle Times

On an adjacent wall are the flags of all 54 countries in Africa, their insignia and heraldry explained.

From New York Times

Interestingly, dragons of yore had to be dominated or defeated; their occasional use in heraldry and art was meant to impress and inspire awe.

From Salon

Related Words

• logo
• symbol
• trademark