Word: Armorial Bearing
Definition: "Armorial bearing" refers to a design or image that is displayed on a shield or banner. It is often used in heraldry, which is the study and design of coats of arms and heraldic symbols. These designs represent families, individuals, or institutions, and they often include various symbols that have specific meanings.
Usage Instructions: - Use "armorial bearing" when talking about coats of arms, heraldry, or historical symbols related to families or institutions. - It is typically used in formal contexts, such as discussions about history, genealogy, or art.
Example Sentence: "The knight displayed his armorial bearing proudly on his shield during the tournament."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, "armorial bearings" can refer to the complete set of heraldic symbols associated with a person or family, including the shield design, crest, supporters, and motto.
Word Variants: - "Armory" (noun): A collection of armorial bearings. - "Heraldry" (noun): The practice of designing and displaying armorial bearings. - "Herald" (noun): A person who creates or announces armorial bearings.
Different Meanings:While "armorial bearing" specifically refers to heraldic designs, "bearing" can also mean "to carry" or "to support" in a general sense.
Synonyms: - Coat of arms - Heraldic symbol - Shield design
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "armorial bearing," but you might come across phrases like "to bear arms," which means to carry weapons or to serve in the military. This phrase has a historical connection to the concept of heraldry, as knights would bear their armorial bearings during battles.