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 an eagle, but without beak or claws)

Strength of will and authority of mind.

Anchor

Hope; religious steadfastness

Angels

Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news

Annulet (finger ring)

Fidelity

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 Embowed

A person with qualities of leadership

Arm, Naked

An industrious person

Arrow or Dart

Readiness (for battle); if depicted with a cross, represents an affliction

Ass

Patience and humility

Axe (Also Halbert, Halberd, Hatchet)

Execution of military duty

Baguette (gem ring)

Fidelity

Banderole

See Banners

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

Beacon (Also Lantern or Lighthouse)

One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger

Bear

Strength, cunning, ferocity in the protection of one's kindred

Beaver

Industry and perseverance

Bee

Efficient industry

Bells

Power to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war

Bend/Bendy

Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection

Berries

Liberality, felicity, and peace

Bezant/Byzantine Coin
(Also Besant; Gold Roundle)

Worthy of trust of treasure.

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.

Bishop's Mitre

Authority

Blasted

Tree without leaves, withered

Boar

Bravery; fights to the death

Boar's Head

Hospitality

Bonacon (See Bull)

Bull with horse's tail and short mane.

Bomb (Mortar piece)

One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle

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

Bracket

May be single or double; right angle-shaped support, as in a shelf support

Bridge

Governor or magistrate

Broom Plant

Humility

Buck

One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony

Buckle

Victorious fidelity in authority

Buglass (purple quatrefoil)

Hope and joy.

Bull/Buffalo

Valour, bravery, generosity

Bull's Head

Valour, bravery, generosity

Bull's Horns

Strength and fortitude

Butterfly

Psyche or Soul

Cadences (Marks of Cadences)

Used to differentiate the heirs in a family

Caduceus

Homeopathic medicine; medical profession; balance and the union of opposing forces

Caltrap

Candle (Lamp)

Light, life, and spirituality.

Camel

Docility, patience, and perseverance

Cannon and Cannon Ball

One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle

Candle (Lamp)

Light, life, and spirituality

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

Cat (Also Wildcat or Lynx)

Liberty, vigilance, forecast, and courage

Catherine Wheel

One prepared to undergo great trials for the Christian faith

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 maintenance")

Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons

Chaplet (Floral)

Usually with green leaves and four roses: the crown of joy and admiration

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

Cinquefoils

Hope and joy

Civic Wreath (of oak leaves and acorns)

One who saved a fellow citizen's life or shown patriotism in defense of one's native land

Clarion

Ready for war

Claw of a Bird

Note the preyer that has been preyed upon

Clouds

Mystery, obscured truth

Cock (male bird)

Courage and perseverance; hero; able man in politics

Cockatrice (small serpent)

Terror to all beholders

Column

Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude

Comet

Unknown

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

Coupeaux

(Hills - usually three) Unknown; may be purely an artistic device

Crane (Stork)

Close parental bond; Vigilance if holding a rock

Crescent

One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief)

Cresset (See "Beacon")

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 - see also this page on crosses

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
(Patoncee)

(cross flowered at each end) One who has conquered

Cross Formee (Pattee)

Military honour

Cross (Maltese)

Blessings; badge of Knights Hospitaller

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

Cup (often covered)

Office of the king's butler

Cushions

Authority

Cygnet (young swan)

Where gorged with a crown around its neck, signifies dignity

Cypress

Death and eternal life thereafter

Dagger or dart

Justice and military honour

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)

Deer

One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony

Dice

Constancy

Dog

Courage, vigilance, and loyalty

Dolphin

Swiftness, diligence, salvation, charity, and love

Dove

Loving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit; with an olive branch in its bill, it signifies a harbinger of good tidings

Dragon

Valiant defender of treasure; valour and protection

Drops (Guttees)

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

Drum

Ready for war

Duck Also Teal)

Person of many resources

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

Ermine Spot

Mark of dignity

Escallop (scallop shell)

Traveller to far places or victorious naval commander

Escarbuncle

Supremacy; brilliant gem

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 points)

Celestial goodness; noble person

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

Fess/Fesse

Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the public

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
(Also flaunches)

Given by a king for virtue and learning

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 a mascle)

(Also, fretty or latticework)  Persuasion

Fruit

Felicity and peace

Fusil
(narrow lozenge)

Travel and labour

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

Grasshopper

Noble and home-bred

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 death-defying bravery; vigilance

Gyronny

Unity (six- or eight-part division of the shield)

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 (double quatrefoil)

Mark of cadency for the ninth son

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 (See also "Candle")

Light, life, and spirituality

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

Lion

Dauntless courage

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 (hollowed out lozenge)

Persuasive

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

Maunch (lady's sleeve)

"For my lady's sake"

Mermaid

Eloquence

Millpick

Miller's tool

Millrind (or millstone)

The mutual converse of human society; miller's tool

Mitre (Bishop's)

Authority

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 (Star)

Divine quality from above; mark of third son

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

Paschal Lamb

Faith, innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit

Passion Nails

Token of poignant suffering undergone by the bearer

Pavilion

Readiness for battle

Peacock

Beauty, power, and knowledge

Peacock Feather

Beauty, power, and knowledge

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 (Spear-head)

Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle

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.

Pile

Represents large pieces of wood used in building bridges; engineering skills, builder; May represent a pennon or flag

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

Portcullis (castle gate)

Protection in an emergency

Proboscides

Elephant trunks; usually represented in pairs; the elephant symbolizes longevity, strength, royalty, dignity, patience, wisdom, happiness, and good luck

Quatrefoil (Primrose)

Brings good tidings

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

Rose

Mark of the seventh son; Hope and joy; see also meanings for specific colors of roses

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)

Saltire

(St. Andrew's Cross) Resolution

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

Stag
(Also Reindeer)

One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony

Stag's Antlers

Strength and fortitude

Star (estoile or mullet)

Celestial goodness; noble person

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

Talbot (hunting dog)

Courage, vigilance, and loyalty

Tent

Readiness for battle

Terrace

Unknown; May be purely an artistic device

Tiger

Fierceness and valour; resentment; dangerous if aroused

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

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

Vol (Set of Wings)

Swiftness and protection

Vulture

Purification and maternity; also, virginity (in Christianity)

Walnut Leaves

Hope and joy

Water Bouget

One who carried water to an army or a besieged place

Wheat-Ears

Faithful

Wheat Garb or Sheaf

The harvest of one's hopes has been secured

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