blazon

[ bley-zuhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to set forth conspicuously or publicly; display; proclaim:

   The pickets blazoned their grievances on placards.

2. to adorn or embellish, especially brilliantly or showily.
3. to describe in heraldic terminology.
4. to depict (heraldic arms or the like) in proper form and color.

noun

1. an escutcheon; coat of arms.
2. the heraldic description of armorial bearings.
3. conspicuous display.

blazon

/ ˈbleɪzən /

verb

1. often foll by abroad to proclaim loudly and publicly
2. heraldry to describe (heraldic arms) in proper terms
3. to draw and colour (heraldic arms) conventionally

noun

1. heraldry a conventional description or depiction of heraldic arms
2. any description or recording, esp of good qualities

Derived Forms

• ˈblazoner, noun

Other Words From

• blazon·er noun
• blazon·ment noun
• un·blazoned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blazon¹

1275–1325; Middle English blaso ( u ) n < Anglo-French, Old French blason buckler, of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of blazon¹

C13: from Old French blason coat of arms

Example Sentences

The outer surface of the aspis was decorated or painted with various motifs and blazons – with some even signifying the status of the richer upper class hoplites.

From Realm of History

One shield bears a bull's head; the next has three crosses; the third blazon is a crab.

From Project Gutenberg

She bore a blazon of a feminine hand dangling a planet by a string from one finger; a good ship, and an able, ruthless captain.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing left but picture of one small blue soldier looking up through blazon flames of Christmas-tree to shining thing above.

From Project Gutenberg

I should not however have been tempted to blazon my coat of arms, were it not connected with a whimsical anecdote.

From Project Gutenberg

Either of the latter positions must be specified in the blazon.

From Project Gutenberg