heraldry
|her-al-dry|
/ˈhɛr.əl.dri/
system of coats of arms
Etymology
'heraldry' originates from Middle English, from Old French 'herauderie' (also attested as 'heraldie'), where 'herald' referred to 'a messenger or official who proclaims' and the suffix '-ry' denoted 'practice, office, or collective matters'.
'heraldry' changed from Middle English 'hereldrie' (or similar forms) and Old French 'herauderie'/'heraldie', derived from Old French 'heraut' (herald), which in turn comes from Proto-Germanic elements such as *harja- ('army') and *waldan ('to rule').
Initially it referred to the office, duties, or jurisdiction of a 'herald' (an official messenger/announcer); over time it broadened to mean the system, art, and the actual designs of coats of arms now known as 'heraldry'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the system by which coats of arms and other armorial bearings are devised, described, and regulated.
He studied heraldry to trace his family's coat of arms.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the art or science of designing, blazoning, and granting armorial bearings; also, the armorial bearings themselves.
The museum display featured examples of medieval heraldry.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/20 11:41