Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal description or depiction of a coat of arms: In heraldry, a "blazon" is the precise, technical description of a coat of arms, following specific rules of language and order.
   • A coat of arms itself: The term can also refer to the heraldic shield or emblem bearing these symbols.

2. Verb:

   • To describe or depict (a coat of arms) heraldically: To formally and correctly describe a coat of arms using the specialized language of heraldry.
   • To display conspicuously or publicly; to proclaim: To make something very noticeable or to announce it widely.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The manuscript contained a detailed blazon of the royal family's arms.
  • The knight's shield bore a complex blazon of lions and fleurs-de-lis.

• Verb:

  • The herald will blazon the new lord's arms at the ceremony.
  • The company's success was blazoned across the front page of every newspaper.

Advanced Usage

• "To blazon forth/abroad": To proclaim or announce something publicly and widely.
  • The town crier blazoned forth the king's decree.
• "Blazoned on": Displayed prominently on a surface.
  • The family motto was blazoned on the castle gate.

Variants and Related Words

• Blazonry (n): The art or science of describing or depicting coats of arms; heraldic display.
  • The hall was decorated with magnificent blazonry.
• Emblazon (v): To display a design, especially a coat of arms, prominently on something; to decorate with heraldic or conspicuous markings.
  • They emblazoned their logo on the team's jerseys.

Synonyms

• Noun (description): Description, depiction.
• Noun (emblem): Coat of arms, escutcheon, arms.
• Verb (proclaim): Proclaim, announce, broadcast, trumpet.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Blazon out: To announce or proclaim loudly and publicly.
  • The news of the victory was blazoned out to the cheering crowd.

Related Idioms

• None commonly associated directly with "blazon." The word is primarily used in its technical heraldic sense or in formal/literary contexts for proclamation.

Noun

1. the official symbols of a family, state, etc.

Verb

1. decorate with heraldic arms