Definition

Noun: 1. A person entitled to bear heraldic arms: Historically, this refers to a person, often a nobleman or gentleman, who has the right to use a coat of arms. This right was traditionally granted by a heraldic authority. 2. A squire or armor-bearer for a knight: In medieval times, this was a young man of noble birth who served a knight, often carrying his armor and assisting him.

Usage Examples

• As a bearer of arms:
  • The genealogist confirmed he was a true armiger, with a right to the ancient crest.
  • Only an armiger could display those heraldic symbols on the shield.
• As an armor-bearer:
  • The young armiger carefully polished his knight's breastplate before the tournament.
  • His duty as an armiger was to tend to the knight's weapons and horse.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal, historical, or heraldic contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
• In modern heraldry, an armiger is any individual or corporate body granted a coat of arms.

Variants and Related Words

• Armigerous (adjective): Describing a person or family entitled to bear arms.
  • The armigerous family had their crest carved above the manor's doorway.

Synonyms

• For "bearer of arms": Heraldist, bearer of a coat of arms.
• For "armor-bearer": Squire, esquire, attendant.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two primary meanings are connected by the concept of service and status related to knighthood and nobility. The first meaning focuses on the right to bear arms (heraldic symbols), while the second focuses on the duty of bearing arms (physical armor).

Noun

1. a nobleman entitled to bear heraldic arms
2. a squire carrying the armor of a knight