Definition

1. Noun:
   • A broad horizontal band across the middle of a heraldic shield: In heraldry, a "fesse" is an ordinary, which is a simple geometric charge or figure, depicted as a wide horizontal stripe occupying the central third of a shield.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The coat of arms features a red fesse on a gold field.
  • A fesse is one of the most common and recognizable ordinaries in heraldic design.

Advanced Usage

• "In fesse": A term describing the arrangement of multiple charges placed horizontally across the shield, following the line of a fesse.
  • The three stars were placed in fesse.
• "Fesse-wise": An alternative term meaning horizontally, in the manner of a fesse.
  • The two swords were crossed fesse-wise.

Variants and Related Words

• Fess: The more common modern spelling of "fesse". Both forms are correct.
  • The shield was divided by a blue fess.
• Bar: A narrower horizontal band. If a shield has two such bands, they are typically called bars rather than fesses.
• Ordinary: The general category of basic heraldic charges to which the fesse belongs.

Synonyms

• Horizontal band: A descriptive, non-heraldic synonym.
• Bar: While similar, in precise heraldic terminology, a "bar" is narrower and often appears in pairs.

Related Phrases

• Couped in fesse: A term for a charge that is cut off horizontally at both ends.
• Enhanced: A term describing a fesse that is placed slightly higher than the exact center of the shield.

Noun

1. (heraldry) an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across a shield