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king-of-arms

American  
[king-uhv-ahrmz] / ˈkɪŋ əvˈɑrmz /

noun

plural

kings-of-arms
  1. a title of certain of the principal heralds of England and certain other kingdoms empowered by their sovereigns to grant armorial bearings.


king-of-arms British  

noun

  1. the highest rank of heraldic officer, itself divided into the ranks of Garter, Clarenceaux, and Norroy and Ulster. In Scotland the first is Lyon

  2. a person holding this rank

"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

Etymology

Origin of king-of-arms

First recorded in 1400–50, king-of-arms is from late Middle English king of armes. See king, arm 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And I am astonished at you, king-of-arms, when you try to make peace out of discord.

From The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc by Rudder, Robert S.

In 1634 he was appointed historiographer and genealogist of France, and in 1641 juge d’armes of France, an officer corresponding nearly to the Garter king-of-arms in England.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7 "Horticulture" to "Hudson Bay" by Various

But according to the requirements of our office I could not be your judge, and I will tell you why: No knight, king-of-arms or herald who gives advice can be a judge.

From The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc by Rudder, Robert S.

Tirant went back to his lodging with the king-of-arms, and he immediately drew up the 'carte blanche.'

From The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc by Rudder, Robert S.

"The king-of-arms answered: "Oh, knight, virtuous young man, beloved by everyone!

From The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc by Rudder, Robert S.