Definition

Noun: 1. A diagonal band running from the upper right (dexter chief) to the lower left (sinister base) of a heraldic shield: In heraldry, a "bend dexter" is an ordinary, which is a simple geometric charge. It is a wide diagonal stripe that divides the shield. The term "dexter" specifies the direction from the viewer's perspective; the shield's "dexter" side (right side) is considered the left side from the bearer's point of view behind the shield. Therefore, a "bend dexter" slopes downward from the bearer's right shoulder to left hip.

Usage

• The "bend dexter" is one of the most common and honorable ordinaries in heraldic design.
• It is used to distinguish families, individuals, or institutions on coats of arms.
• When blazoned (described) simply as a "bend," it is assumed to be a "bend dexter." A bend in the opposite direction is specified as a "bend sinister."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Diminutives: A narrower version of a bend dexter is called a "bendlet." An even narrower version is a "cotise."
• Varied Lines: The edges of a bend dexter can be drawn with different patterns (e.g., engrailed, embattled, wavy), which must be specified in the blazon.
• Charged: A bend dexter can itself be charged with smaller symbols, such as stars or crosses.

Variants and Related Words

• Bend (noun): The general term for this diagonal ordinary; by default, it means "bend dexter."
• Bend Sinister (noun): A diagonal band running from the upper left (sinister chief) to the lower right (dexter base) of the shield. Historically associated with illegitimacy in some traditions.
• Bendlet (noun): A diminutive of a bend, half its width.
• In Bend: A phrase describing multiple smaller charges (like roses or martlets) arranged diagonally in the direction of a bend.

Synonyms

• Diagonal band: A general descriptive term.
• Ordinary: The category of simple geometric charges to which the bend belongs.

Related Phrases

• Per bend: A way of dividing the shield into two colors along the line of a bend.
• Bendwise: A term describing the diagonal orientation of a charge placed on the shield.

Noun

1. diagonal line traversing a shield from the upper right corner to the lower left