Viscom CM 235

Ordinaries: A charge or bearing of simple, usually geometric form.

Themost common ordinaries are as follows:

Pale, Fess, Bend, Saltire, Chevron, Cross, Pall, Chief, Base, and Bordure

Ordinaries

Chief - Dominion and authority.

Cross - Chevron - Protection.

Fess - Military belt or girdle of honor.

Bar - For 'one who sets the bar of conscience, religion and honor against angry passions.

Pale - Military strength and fortitude.

Palet - Same as Pale.

Pile - Same as Pale.

Canton - Bearing of honor. When borne charged, it often contains some special symbols
granted by the sovereign in reward for the performance of eminent service.

Quarter - Bearing of honor. Similar to the Canton.

Bend - Defense or protection.

Battune Sinister - Marks a royal descent that is barred by illegitimacy from succession to
the throne.

Orle or Tressure - Preservation or protection.

Bordure or Border - Frequently adopted as a 'difference' between relatives bearing the
same arms.

Each has one or more diminutives.

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