Directed study
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Symbolism of Proper Charges
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.
Flasques - Given by a king for virtue and learning, and especially for service in embassage.
Voiders - Given to gentlewomen who have deserved highly.
Bordure or Border - Frequently adopted as a 'difference' between relatives bearing the
same arms.
"
Extremely useful site describing ordinaries
Diminutives of the Ordinaries
More on Symbolism of 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.
Flasques - Given by a king for virtue and learning, and especially for service in embassage.
Voiders - Given to gentlewomen who have deserved highly.
Bordure or Border - Frequently adopted as a 'difference' between relatives bearing the
same arms.
"
Extremely useful site describing ordinaries
Diminutives of the Ordinaries
More on Symbolism of Ordinaries
