tierced

The shield is tierced into three vertical sections.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Divided into three parts: In heraldry, "tierced" describes a shield or field that is divided into three equal sections, typically by lines or partitions.
   • Arranged in three layers or tiers: More generally, "tierced" can refer to anything structured or arranged in three distinct levels or segments.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The coat of arms was tierced per pale, with three vertical strips of equal width. (The shield was divided into three equal vertical sections.)
  • The cake was tierced into three layers, each with a different filling. (The cake was arranged in three distinct tiers.)

Advanced Usage

• "tierced per fess": divided into three equal horizontal sections.

  • The banner was tierced per fess, with bands of red, white, and blue. (The flag had three horizontal stripes of equal size.)

• "tierced per pale": divided into three equal vertical sections.

  • The family crest was tierced per pale, featuring a lion, a castle, and a fleur-de-lis. (The shield was split into three vertical parts, each containing a different symbol.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tier (n): a level or layer of a structure arranged in a series.

  • The stadium had three tiers of seats. (The seating was arranged in three levels.)

• Tierce (n): a unit of liquid measure equal to one-third of a pipe (about 42 gallons), or a fencing term for a specific guard position.

  • A tierce of wine was stored in the cellar. (A container holding about 42 gallons of wine.)

Synonyms

• Tripartite: divided into three parts.
• Threefold: having three parts or layers.
• Triple: consisting of three parts.

Related Idioms

• "Tierced in glory": an archaic phrase meaning divided into three parts for honour or display.
  • The tournament shield was tierced in glory, representing victory, courage, and wisdom. (The shield was divided into three sections, each symbolising a virtue.)