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
|