king-of-arms

[ king-uhv-ahrmz ]

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of king-of-arms¹

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

Example Sentences

Lyon is also king-of-arms for the national order of the Thistle.

From Project Gutenberg

In Ireland also there is but one king-of-arms, Ulster.

From Project Gutenberg

The allusion is to an Ireland king-of-arms mentioned in the reign of Richard II. and superseded by Ulster.

From Project Gutenberg

Ulster is king-of-arms to the order of St Patrick.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg