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View synonyms for bend sinister

bend sinister

noun

, Heraldry.
  1. a diagonal band extending from the sinister chief of an escutcheon to the dexter base: a supposed mark of bastardy.


bend sinister

noun

  1. heraldry a diagonal line bisecting a shield from the top right to the bottom left, typically indicating a bastard line
“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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of bend sinister1

First recorded in 1615–25
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Example Sentences

That in heraldry, a bend sinister indicates bastardy.

To which I could only reply, "Madam, I have never yet discovered the bend sinister on our escutcheon."

That a market should be held upon the Sabbath in this city, is a "bend sinister" upon its escutcheon.

It is a diminutive of the bend sinister, of which it is one-fourth in width, couped or cut short at the ends, so as not to touch the corners of the shield.

There were several generations of them, and used for their arms those of Bonville with the addition of a bend sinister; they also became extinct.

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bendsbend someone's ear