heraldry

Definition

The profession or art of devising, granting and blazoning coats of arms, tracing genealogies and ruling on questions of protocol or rank.

Etymology

From herald + -ry. First attested in 1572. Displaced earlier heraldy, equivalent to herald + -y.

Example Sentences

• "Rouge Dragon Pursuivant is a specialist in heraldry at the College of Arms."
• "The ordered system of symbols which we know as heraldry came into being in the twelfth century to meet a military need. These symbols were emblazoned on shields, surcoats and fighting flags, and served as an invaluable means of identification when the features were obscured by the great helm."
• "Onlookers were impressed by the rich and colorful heraldry."

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