Coat of Arms Symbols and Meanings

The Meanings Behind the Symbols or... What does it mean if your coat of arms bears a red boar's head? Please note that the following descriptions and meanings are gleaned from a variety of sources, some of which disagree on those meanings. The most commonly accepted meanings are given, but scholars vary in the their opinions concerning the reliability of any "commonly held" historic meanings for coats of arms and crests. COLORS Even the colors can have special meaning in a "family crest" or coat of arms: Gold (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 Green (Vert) Hope, joy, and loyalty in love Black (Sable) Constancy or grief Purple (Purpure) Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice Orange (Tawny or Tenne) Worthy ambition Maroon (Sanguine or Murray) Patient in battle, and yet victorious FURS The mere fact that a shield or crest contains furs suggests a mark of dignity. Usually the fur coat of the weasel is represented. Ermine White with black spots. Erminois Gold with black spots. Ermines Black with white spots. Pean Black with gold spots. Vair Blue and white bell-shaped objects. Heraldic Lines and Ordinaries: Nebuly Line Clouds or air Wavy Line Sea or water Engrailed Line Earth or land Invected Line Earth or land Indented Line Fire Dancette Line Water Raguly Line Difficulties that have been encountered Embattled Line Walls of a fortress or town (also, fire) The following are some of the more common heraldic symbols and their meanings as suggested by some historians: Acacia Branch or Leaves Eternal and affectionate remembrance Acorn Antiquity and strength. Agricultural Tools Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence; see also Scythe and Sickle Alisaunder (Similar to laurel) Peace and/or triumph. Allerion (Mythical creature, similar to Strength of will and authority of mind. an eagle, but without beak or claws) Hope; religious steadfastness Anchor Angels Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news Annulet Fidelity (finger ring) Ant Great labour, wisdom, and providence in one's affairs Antelope (heraldic) A mythical animal with the body of a stag, the tail of a unicorn, a tusk at the tip of the nose, tufts down the back of the neck, chest, and thighs (usually represented with two straight horns serrated on one side) Antlers Strength and fortitude Anvil Honour; emblem of the smith's trade Apple Liberality, felicity, and peace Arm (or Hand) in Armour or A person with qualities of leadership Embowed Arm, Naked An industrious person Arrow or Dart Readiness (for battle); if depicted with a cross, represents an affliction Ass Patience and humility Execution of military duty Axe (Also Halbert, Halberd, Hatchet) Baguette (gem ring) Fidelity See Banners Banderole Banners (See banderole) Refer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service Bar, Barry, or Barrulet "One who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honour against angry passions and evil temptations" acc. to Guillim Barry Wavy Troubles keep us in continuous exercise and reminders of providence (as waves in a storm at sea) Bat Awareness of the powers of darkness and chaos. Baton Token of authority Battle Axe (See Axe) Execution of military duty Bay Leaves Poet or victor's laurel One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger Beacon (Also Lantern or Lighthouse) Strength, cunning, ferocity in the protection of one's kindred Bear Industry and perseverance Beaver Efficient industry Bee Power to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war Bells Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection Bend/Bendy Berries Liberality, felicity, and peace Bezant/Byzantine Coin Worthy of trust of treasure. (Also Besant; Gold Roundle) Billet/Billettee Bricks or letters (correspondence); one who obtained credence, knowledge, and faith in his words and deeds; one who is secret in one's affairs. Birdbolt (See Arrow) Small arrow with blunt head. Authority Bishop's Mitre Blasted Tree without leaves, withered Bravery; fights to the death Boar Hospitality Boar's Head Bonacon (See Bull) Bull with horse's tail and short mane. One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle Bomb (Mortar piece) Bones (crossed thighbones) Mortality Book If open, manifestation; if closed, counsel Border Difference between relatives bearing the same arms; also an augmentation of an honour Bourdon See pilgrim's or palmer's staff -- knob at upper end, point at bottom, hook near top Bow Readiness (for battle) Bow and Arrow War, power, ability to hit a target Braced Interlaced May be single or double; right angleshaped support, as in a shelf support Bracket Governor or magistrate Bridge Broom Plant Humility One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony Buck Victorious fidelity in authority Buckle Buglass (purple quatrefoil) Hope and joy. Valour, bravery, generosity Bull/Buffalo Valour, bravery, generosity Bull's Head Bull's Horns Strength and fortitude Psyche or Soul Butterfly Cadences (Marks of Cadences) Used to differentiate the heirs in a family Homeopathic medicine; medical profession; balance and the union of opposing forces Caduceus Caltrap Candle (Lamp) Light, life, and spirituality. Camel Docility, patience, and perseverance Cannon and Cannon Balls One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle Light, life, and spirituality Candle (Lamp) Canton As in a flag borne at the top corner of the shield; reward from the sovereign for performance of eminent service Cap of Maintenance Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons (see "Chapeau") Carnation Admiration Carpenter's Square Conforming one's actions to the laws of right and equity Castle (Tower/Chateau) Safety Liberty, vigilance, forecast, and courage Cat (Also Wildcat or Lynx) One prepared to undergo great trials for the Christian faith Catherine Wheel Centaur Eminence in the field of battle Chains Reward for acceptable and weighty service; with crowns and collars, this suggests the bearer bore the chain of obligation or obliged others because of services done Chapeau (See also "cap of Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons maintenance") Usually with green leaves and four roses: the crown of joy and admiration Chaplet (Floral) Chequy Constancy Cherubs & Cherubim Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news Chess Rook Strategic thinking Chevron Protection; Builders or others who have accomplished some work of faithful service Chief Top one-third of the shield; signifies dominion and authority; often granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom or successful command in war Chough (Cornish Crow) Strategist in battle; watchful for friends Church Religion; faith; community Hope and joy Cinquefoils Civic Wreath (of oak leaves and One who saved a fellow citizen's life or acorns) shown patriotism in defense of one's native land Ready for war Clarion Claw of a Bird Note the preyer that has been preyed upon Clouds Mystery, obscured truth Courage and perseverance; hero; able man in politics Cock (male bird) Cockatrice (small serpent) Terror to all beholders Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude Column Unknown Comet Compass Direction Compony or Gobony Constancy Cornish Chough (crow, raven; See "chough") Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providence Cornucopia (horn of plenty) The bounty of nature's gifts Cottice/Cotice (bendlet) Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection (Hills - usually three) Unknown; may be purely an artistic device Coupeaux Crane (Stork) Crescent Cresset (See "Beacon") Close parental bond; Vigilance if holding a rock One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief) One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger Crosier/shepherd's crook The shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also Episcopal jurisdiction and authority Cross Faith; Christianity; Service in the Crusades Cross (Celtic) Unity of heaven and earth Cross (Constantine's; Labarum) Good omen; Christ; Christianity Cross Crosslet Signifies the fourfold mystery of the cross Cross Crosslet Fitchee A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith Cross Flory (cross flowered at each end) One who has (Patoncee) conquered Cross Formee (Pattee) Military honour Cross (Maltese) Blessings; badge of Knights Hospitalier Cross Moline The mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone) Cross Raguly Difficulties encountered Cross Roucy Faith Crossed thighbones Mortality Crow (See also "Chough") Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providence Crown Royal or seigniorial authority Crown (Mural) Defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress Crown (Naval) One who first boarded an enemy's ship; distinguished naval commander Crown of thorns Adversity Office of the king's butler Cup (often covered) Authority Cushions Cygnet (young swan) Where gorged with a crown around its neck, signifies dignity Cypress Death and eternal life thereafter Justice and military honour Dagger or dart Dawle (black quatrefoil) Hope and joy Decrescent One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the sinister) One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony Deer Dice Constancy Courage, vigilance, and loyalty Dog Swiftness, diligence, salvation, charity, and love Dolphin Loving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit; with an olive branch in its bill, it signifies a harbinger of good tidings Dove Dragon Drops (Guttees) Valiant defender of treasure; valour and protection One who has endured torrents of liquids, as in battle, depending upon the color of the liquid. Yellow: gold Blue: tears Green: oil White: water Black: pitch or tar Red: blood Ready for war Drum Person of many resources Duck (Also Teal) Eagle Person of noble nature, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious; "True magnanimity and strength of mind" acc. to Guillim. If wings "displayed," it signifies protection Eagle with two heads Conjoining of two forces Elephant Great strength, wit, longevity, happiness, royalty, good luck, and ambition Enfield Mythical beast said to have protected fallen chieftains' bodies for proper burial Mark of dignity Ermine Spot Escallop (scallop shell) Traveller to far places or victorious naval commander Supremacy; brilliant gem Escarbuncle Escutcheon or small shield, alone, with no charges Defense Escutcheon of Pretence (Small shield in center of primary shield.) Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the family Estoile (star with six wavy Celestial goodness; noble person points) Eye Providence in government Falcon (Hawk) One who does not rest until objective achieved Fasces A bundle or rods tied together around an axe, with the blade projecting out; Symbol of a magistrate's authority and the judiciary. (It appears on the reverse side of the U.S. Liberty-head dime.) Feathers (usually ostrich feathers) Sign of obedience and serenity Fer de moline (millrind) Center of the millstone, by which it is turned Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the public Fess/Fesse Fetterlock Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war Fife Ready for war Finger, pointing Direction; correct route Fire Zealousness Fish A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment Flag or Pennant Refers to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service Flanchi/flasque/flanches Given by a king for virtue and learning (Also flaunches) Fleece (lamb's) Ancient honour from the knightly order of the Fleece of Gold Fleur-de-lis Purity; light; floral badge of France; represents sixth son as mark of difference Flint stone Readiness for zealous service Flowers Hope and joy Fountain Usually a roundle, crossed with wavy bars of blue and white; represents water, a spring Fox One who will use all that he/she may possess of wisdom and wit in his/her own defense Fraises Strawberries; usually refers to the cinquefoil Fret (saltire through (Also, fretty or latticework) Persuasion a mascle) Fruit Felicity and peace Fusil Travel and labour (narrow lozenge) Fusil of Yarn (yarn with the spindle) Negotiation Galley See Ship Gannet (duck without beak or legs) One who has to subsist by virtue and merit Garb (wheatsheaf) The harvest of one's hopes has been secured Gauntlet Armed for the performance of martial enterprise Gavel Justice; legal authority Gem or Jewel Supremacy Gillyflower (tawney quatrefoil) Hope and joy Globe Worldliness; world travel Goat One who wins through politics rather than war Gobony or Gobbony Constancy Goose Resourcefulness Gorged (around neck) High dignity Grapes Liberality, felicity, and peace; also, association with wine-making Noble and home-bred Grasshopper Grenade One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle Greyhound Courage, vigilance, and loyalty Griffin (Head, wings, and talons of an eagle with the body of a lion); Valour and deathdefying bravery; vigilance Unity (six- or eight-part division of the shield) Gyronny Hammer Honour; emblem of the smith's trade Hand Pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice; two right hands conjoined represent union and alliance Hand, red Mark of a baronet Hare One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life Harp Well-composed person of tempered judgment; contemplation; mystical bridge between heaven and earth Harpy (virgin's face, neck and breast with the body of a lion) Ferocity under provocation Hart (male deer) Peace and harmony Hawk (Falcon) One who does not rest until objective achieved Hawks' lures: One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconry Hazel branch or leaves Hope and joy Head (Human) Honour; if the head of a "blackamoor" or Moor, refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades Heart, Flaming Intense, burning affection Heart, Human Charity and sincerity Hedgehog "Provident provider" acc. to Sloane Evans Helmet When depicted on the shield, denotes wisdom and security in defense; strength, protection, invulnerability Hind (female deer) Peace and harmony Holly Truth Horns Strength and fortitude Horse (See also Seahorse) Readiness for all employments for king and country Horseshoe Good luck and safeguard against evil spirits Hourglass Flight of time; mortality Housemark Presumably adopted by the bearers as forms of unique identification of European homes Huitfoil Mark of cadency for the ninth son (double quatrefoil) Human Head Honour (if the head of a Blackamoor, it refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades) Humettee Describes an element that does not touch the sides of the shield Hunting Horn One who is fond of the chase, of high pursuits Hydra (dragon with seven heads) Conquest of a very powerful enemy Increscent/Increment One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the dexter) Inescutcheon See "Escutcheon of Pretence" Ivy Leaves Strong and lasting friendship Inkhorn or Inkwell Art of writing and educated employment Jessamine (white quatrefoil) Hope and joy Jessant de lis With a fleur-de-lis shooting out, i.e., from the mouth of a leopard or lion; Represents dominion over France. Keys Guardianship and dominion Knight (especially on horseback) The soul guiding the body; man's journey through life Labarum (Constantine's Cross) Good omen; Christianity Label Indicates first-born. Ladder (Scaling Ladder) One who was fearless in attacking; if against a tower, be on guard against spiritual and corporeal enemies Lamb or Ewe Gentleness and patience under suffering Lamb carrying staff or banner with a cross (paschal lamb) Faith; innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit Lamp/Lantern Light, life, and spirituality (See also "Candle") Lance or Javelin The perfection of martial affairs; emblem of knightly service; devotion to honour Laurel Leaves Peace and/or triumph Leg Strength, stability, and expedition Leopard or Ounce Valiant and hardy warrior who enterprises hazardous things by force and courage Leopard's head swallowing a fleur-de-lis (jessant) Represents the lion of England swallowing the lily of France Letter (i.e., A, B, C) May represent great battles or tournaments beginning with that letter Level Equity and upright action; virtuous person Lightning Bolt Swiftness and power Lily Purity; see "Fleur-de-lis" Linden branch or leaves Hope and joy Dauntless courage Lion Lion, heraldic Bravery, strength, ferocity, and valour Lozenge or Lozengy Constancy Lunel (Four crescent moons facing each other) One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory Lure (hawk's) One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconry Lymphad See Ship Lyre Contemplation; tempered judgment Man Various meanings Marigold Devotion and piety Martlet (footless swallow) Symbol of the fourth son (mark of difference); may signify one who has to subsist by virtue and merit, not inheritance Mascle Persuasive (hollowed out lozenge) Mastiff Courage, vigilance, and loyalty Matches (Usually in a roll and fired) Possible reference ot one who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle "For my lady's sake" Maunch (lady's sleeve) Mermaid Eloquence Millpick Miller's tool Millrind The mutual converse of human society; miller's tool (or millstone) Authority Mitre (Bishop's) Mole Unknown Monkey Unknown Moon Serene power over mundane actions Moor/Saracen/Turk Dates back to the Middle Ages when it was considered an honor to take a Moor's head Moor fowl or Moor-cock Association with the law or the legal profession Mortar Piece One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle Mount/Mound (See "Coupeaux") (Rounded terrace at base of the shield) Unknown; may be purely an artistic device Mulberries Liberality, felicity, and peace Mule Often borne by abbots and abbesses who have pastoral jurisdiction, but not real jurisdiction Mullet Divine quality from above; mark of third son (Star) Musical Pipes Festivity and rejoicing Oak Garb or Sheaf The harvest of one's hopes has been secured Oak Tree, Leaves, Bush Great age and strength Oak Tree/Bush with Acorns Continuous growth and fertility Olive Branch or Leaves Peace and concordance Orle Circle of something; Preservation or protection Ostrich/Ostrich plumes Willing obedience and serenity Otter One who lives life to the fullest Owl One who is vigilant and of acute wit Ox Valour and generosity Pale/Palet/Pallet/Paly Military strength Palm Branch Victory, justice, and royal honour Palm Tree Righteousness and resurrection; victory Panther Fierce, but tender and loving to children and will defend her children with her life Parchment/Scroll/Diploma Possible reference to academic or scholarly achievement Parrot Unknown Faith, innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit Paschal Lamb Passion Nails Token of poignant suffering undergone by the bearer Pavilion Readiness for battle Beauty, power, and knowledge Peacock Beauty, power, and knowledge Peacock Feather Pears Felicity and peace Pegasus Poetic genius and inspiration; messenger of God Pelican Self-sacrifice and charitable nature; When feeding her young ("in her piety"), symbolizes the duties of a parent or parental love Pen Art of writing and educated employment Pennon or Flag Refers to some special action in which it was captured or as a reward for gallant service Periwinkle (blue quatrefoil) Hope and joy Pheasant Person of many resources Pheon Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle (Spear-head) Phoenix Symbol of resurrection Pig Fertility Pike (Fish) A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment. Represents large pieces of wood used in building bridges; engineering skills, builder; May represent a pennon or flag Pile Pilgrim's Stave/ Palmer's Stave The shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also may refer to early pilgrimages to Jerusalem Pillar Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude Pincers Honour; emblem of the smith's trade Pine Death and eternal life thereafter Pine Cone Life Pipes (music) Festivity and rejoicing Pitcher Office of service Plant Hope and joy Plow or Ploughshare Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence Plume of feathers Sign of willing obedience and serenity of mind Plummet Equity and upright action; virtuous person Pomegranate Fruit Fertility and abundance Poplar leaves Hope and joy Poppy (sanguine quatrefoil) Hope and joy Protection in an emergency Portcullis (castle gate) Proboscides Elephant trunks; usually represented in pairs; the elephant symbolizes longevity, strength, royalty, dignity, patience, wisdom, happiness, and good luck Brings good tidings Quatrefoil (Primrose) Rabbit (Conie) One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life Rainbow Good times after bad Ram Authority Rat Unknown Ratch-hound (small hound) Loyalty, courage, and vigilance Raven Divine providence Ray or Rayonnee Glory and spendour; fountain of life; intelligence and enlightenment Rhinoceros Ferocious when aroused Rock Safety and protection; refuge Mark of the seventh son; Hope and joy; see also meanings for specific colors of roses Rose Rose, Red Grace and beauty Rose, White Love and faith Roundles Gold or yellow: bezants or byzantine coins (worthy of trust or treasure) White: plate (generosity) Green: pomme (apple) Purple: golpe (wounded) Blue: hurt or wortleberry Black: pellet, ogress, or gunstone (cannon ball) Red: torteau (communion wafer or manchet cake) Tawney: orange (tennis ball) Sabre (See Sword) Justice and/or military honour Saddle Preparedness for active service Salamander Protection Salmon (See Fish) (St. Andrew's Cross) Resolution Saltire Savage/Saracen Believed to be related to service in the Crusades Scales Justice Scallop Shell See "Escallop" Sceptre The emblem of justice Scythe or Sickle The hope of a fruitful harvest Sea horse Power of the water Seal/Sea lion Dauntless courage at sea Seraphim (angel with three pairs of wings) Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news Serpent/Snake/Lizard Wisdom Shacklebolt Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war Shamrock Perpetuity; floral device of Ireland; also see Trefoil. Shield When borne on the arms, represents the defender Ship Ancient sea voyages Ship, Dismasted Disaster at sea Shutle (Weaver's Shuttle) Reference to the bearer's profession; i.e., textiles Skull Mortality Snail Deliberation and perseverance Snake Wisdom (see also Serpent) Spear/Pike Honourable warrior; valiant knight Spear-heads (Pheons) Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle Sphere Geographical or scientific reference Sphinx Omniscience and secrecy Spider Wisdom, labour, and prudence Spur or Spur Rowel Preparedness for active service; pressing onward Square Symbols Constancy Squirrel Lover of the woods One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony Stag (Also Reindeer) Stag's Antlers Strength and fortitude Star (estoile or mullet) Celestial goodness; noble person; Excellence Steel Readiness for zealous service Stirrup Preparedness for active service Stool Hospitality Stork Filial duty; close parental bond; If holding a rock, symbolizes vigilance Sun Glory and splendour; fountain of life Swallow One who is prompt and ready in doing business; also bringer of good news Swan Poetic harmony and learning, or lover thereof; light, love, grace, sincerity, perfection Sword/Dagger/Dart Sabre/Scimitar Justice and military honour Table Hospitality Tabor Festivity and rejoicing; dangerous if aroused Courage, vigilance, and loyalty Talbot (hunting dog) Tent Readiness for battle Terrace Unknown; May be purely an artistic device Fierceness and valour; resentment; dangerous if aroused Tiger Torch Life; zealousness; engaging in signal service; truth and intelligence Tortoise Invulnerability to attack Tower Safety and grandeur Tree Trunk/Stump/Branch New life sprouting from the old Tree Life and the mystical connection of the earth with heaven and the underworld Trefoil or Shamrock Perpetuity (three-leaved grass) Tressure Preservation or protection (prominent in the arms of Scotland) Tressure Flory Counterflory Signifies the close and longterm alliance between France and Scotland Trestle Hospitality Trident Maritime dominion Trumpet Ready for war Unicorn Extreme courage; virtue and strength Vine Strong and lasting friendship Swiftness and protection Vol (Set of Wings) Vulture Purification and maternity; also, virginity (in Christianity) Walnut Leaves Hope and joy One who carried water to an army or a besieged place Water Bouget Wheat-Ears Faithful The harvest of one's hopes has been secured Wheat Garb or Sheaf Wheel Fortune; cycle of life Wings Swiftness and protection Wolf Reward from perseverance in long sieges and/or hard industry Woodbine Leaves Love that does not injure that which it clings to Woman Various meanings Wreath of laurel leaves and berries Triumph Wren Freedom Wyvern (Dragon with only two legs and armed tail) Valour and protection Yew Death and eternal life thereafter