In heraldry, the field (background) of a shield can be divided into more than one area, or subdivision, of different tinctures, usually following the lines of one of the ordinaries and carrying its name (e.g. a shield divided in the shape of a chevron is said to be parted “per chevron”).
In this post
What does a Chevron mean on a coat of arms?
protection
Chevron. The chevron occurs very frequently in British and French heraldry, and is comparatively rare in German heraldry. The chevron represents the foot of a house, derived from the French work ‘chevron’ meaning rafter. It signifies protection.
What does Per bend mean in a coat of arms?
PER BEND SINISTER. 1) In heraldry the term used when a shield, a banner of arms or any quartering thereof is divided diagonally from bottom left to top right across its field (see also ‘banner of arms’, ‘bend sinister’, ‘in bend sinister’, ‘party’ and ‘quartering 1)’).
What does party per pale mean?
Definition of party per pale
1 heraldry : divided into two parts by a line down the middle three chevrons party per pale— A. R. Wagner. 2 archaic : twofold in character : composite, half-and-half.
What are the lines that divide a shield in a coat of arms called?
Partition lines divide the shield. The most common ones are straight. Impalement means the division of the shield into two equal parts by a straight line from the top to bottom.
What rank is one chevron?
lance corporal
One chevron usually designates a lance corporal, two a corporal, and three a sergeant. One to four “rockers” may also be incorporated to indicate various grades of sergeant. In American usage, chevrons typically point towards the neck; in Commonwealth usage they usually point away from the neck.
What does 4 chevrons mean?
One chevron indicates that the individual is a private or lance corporal. Two chevrons show that said person is a corporal. Three chevrons they are a sergeant and having four chevrons signifies a higher ranking sergeant.
What does Pegasus mean on a coat of arms?
fame
pegasus. A well-known mythological creature, the Pegasus was depicted as a horse with wings, in several attitudes. Medieval heralds drew on its classical meanings of fame, eloquence and contemplation. It also stood for integrity, dutifulness and fortitude.
What is a Bend Sinister in heraldry?
bend sinister (plural bends sinister) (heraldry) A diagonal band on a coat of arms going from top right to bottom left (as you look at it), held to indicate bastardy.
What is a bar sinister in heraldry?
Noun. bar sinister (usually uncountable, plural bars sinister) (heraldry, considered nonstandard) A bend sinister or baton sinister in a coat of arms. quotations ▼ (idiomatic, euphemistic) The state or characteristic of having been born out of wedlock; illegitimacy; bastardy.
What are coat of arms symbols?
Even the colors can have special meaning in a “family crest” or coat of arms:
| Color | Heraldic Name | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Gold or Yellow | Or | Generosity and elevation of the mind |
| Silver or White | Argent | Peace and sincerity |
| Red | Gules | Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity |
| Blue | Azure | Truth and loyalty |
What is a FESS in heraldry?
In heraldry, a fess or fesse (from Middle English fesse, from Old French faisse, from Latin fascia, “band”) is a charge on a coat of arms (or flag) that takes the form of a band running horizontally across the centre of the shield.
What does a pale mean on a shield?
A pale is a term used in heraldic blazon and vexillology to describe a charge on a coat of arms (or flag), that takes the form of a band running vertically down the centre of the shield.
What does red mean in coat of arms?
courage
Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. ♦ In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is the color found in many national flags. ♦
How do you read a coat of arms?
Heraldic Ordinaries
- Fess = horizontal stripe across the shield.
- Pale = vertical stripe down the shield.
- Bend = diagonal stripe.
- Chevron = like a house gable, pointing upwards.
- Cross = a plain cross.
- Saltire = a ‘St. Andrew’s cross’
- Chief = bar across top edge of shield.
- Bordure = border round edges of shield.
Why did knights have coats of arms?
The first coat of arms was used to distinguish (tell) one knight from another. When a knight had his full armour on, including plate mail and helmet, even his friends couldn’t recognize him. Because of this, knights began to paint symbols on their shields.
What does 3 arrows mean in Army?
Sergeant Major of the Army.
What is 3 bars in the Army?
The insignia of a Sergeant First Class (SFC, E-7) is like a Staff Sergeant’s, but with two rounded bars at the bottom. A Master Sergeant’s (MSG, E-8) insignia is like a Sergeant First Class’, but with three rounded bars at the bottom.
How many stripes is a sergeant?
three stripes
Sergeant (three stripes)
What does 4 stripes mean in the Army?
Full corporals are distinguished by the addition of a cypher above their two stripes in dress uniforms. Staff sergeants in an appointment as squadron quartermaster sergeant in the cavalry, sometimes wear four stripes with a crown and are referred to as “sergeant major”.
O-1 through O-4 are junior officers: ensign, lieutenant (junior grade), lieutenant, and lieutenant commander. O-5 and O-6 are senior officers: commander and captain. O-7 through O-10 are flag officers: rear admiral (lower half) (one star), rear admiral (two stars), vice admiral (three stars), and admiral (four stars).