Definition

1. Noun:
   • The system of designing, displaying, and describing coats of arms and other armorial bearings: "Heraldry" refers to the practice and art of creating and regulating these distinctive emblems.
   • The study and classification of these emblems and the tracing of genealogies: "Heraldry" also denotes the scholarly field concerned with the history, rules, and symbolism of armorial bearings and family lineages.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • He studied heraldry to understand his family's coat of arms. (He learned the system and symbolism of armorial bearings.)
  • The book is an authoritative guide to medieval heraldry. (The book is a definitive source on the historical study and classification of coats of arms.)

Advanced Usage

• "In heraldry": used to specify something according to the rules or conventions of the field.
  • In heraldry, a lion rampant symbolizes courage. (According to the symbolic system of armorial bearings, a lion in a specific posture represents courage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Herald (n): An officer responsible for overseeing heraldic matters and making proclamations.
• Heraldic (adj): Pertaining to heraldry or coats of arms.
  • The heraldic shield was beautifully detailed.
• Armory (n): A place where weapons are kept; also, heraldic bearings collectively.

Synonyms

• Armory (in the sense of heraldic bearings).
• Blazonry: The art of describing or depicting heraldic arms.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Coat of arms: A distinctive heraldic design on a shield, surcoat, or tabard.
• Charge: A figure or device borne on a heraldic shield.
• Tincture: The colors, metals, and furs used in heraldry.

Noun

1. emblem indicating the right of a person to bear arms
2. the study and classification of armorial bearings and the tracing of genealogies