coat of arms

[ koht uhv ahrmz ]

noun

1. the main part of an identifying design in heraldry that is usually depicted on a drawing of a shield:

   The Prince of Wales' coat of arms is a dragon.

2. an identifying design in heraldry that is used by a person or by family groups and that usually includes a drawing of a shield bearing other important identifying designs, and any mottos, banners, crests, etc., that surround that drawing:

   Her family was given a coat of arms when she married into the royal family.

3. a surcoat or tabard embroidered with an identifying design used in heraldry, worn by medieval knights over their armor.

coat of arms

noun

1. the heraldic bearings of a person, family, or corporation
2. a surcoat decorated with family or personal bearings

Word History and Origins

Origin of coat of arms¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; parallel to French cotte d'armes

Example Sentences

(If he comes from an aristocratic family let him adopt an empty-eyed skull and yellow cross-bones as a suitable coat-of-arms).

From Project Gutenberg

The king dubbed him Trolle in memory of the deed, and bestowed on him a coat-of-arms containing a headless troll.

From Project Gutenberg

His coat-of-arms, that of the house of Friedwald, was richly emblazoned upon the housings of his courser.

From Project Gutenberg

Silver and China, with the Manners coat-of-arms, were laid out that had not seen the light for many along day.

From Project Gutenberg

His helmet is a barbers basin, his horse, Rosinante, and a labourers donkey brays at the sight of his coat-of-arms.

From Project Gutenberg