The Coat-Of-Arms of the Corley Family

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

The Coat-Of-Arms of the Corley Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Corley' from England. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Or (gold) on a mount in base an oak tree vert (green) overall on a fess gules (red) three regal crowns of the field (gold)

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a scepter of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

MOTTO: SUBDITUS FIDELIS REGIS ET SALUS REGNI (A Faithful Subject Of The King Is A Preserver Of The Monarchy)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

MOUNT (rising or hillock): On which crests are often under set, and usually for artistic purposes. Although occasionally, they were used to represent burial mounds and symbolized either remembrance, or protection by the device or charge resting on the mound. Sometimes referred to as a Compartment. 

OAK TREE: An oak was often the guardian tree of a family. It is the emblem of virtue and strength and resiliency. Long associated with thunder gods such as Thor in Norse mythology; denotes steadfastness, endurance. Known as the holy oak by ancient Christians, denoting worship. 

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

FESS: Represents a military belt or girdle of honor. The word Fesse is a French word; and signifies the loins of a man. The girdle of honor may seem to have been in ancient time given by Emperors, and Kings, and their Generals of the field unto soldiers, for reward of some special service performed by them. This Ordinary has been anciently taken for the same that we call Baltheum militare or a belt of honor. The bestowing of this military girdle was reputed very honorable because none were to receive it but men of merit. If a knight was disarmed of his Military girdle by his demerits and offence, he is there-with-all deprived of all Military privileges. 

GULES (Red), (fr. gueules): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived.

CROWNS: Are symbols of monarchy, state and power and denotes dignity and accomplishment. The etymology is as follows Middle English coroune, crowne, from Old French corone, from Latin corona wreath, crown, from Greek korOnE culmination, something curved like a crow's beak, literally, crow; akin to Latin cornix crow, Greek korax raven. The use of the crown as a symbol of monarchy is of ancient tradition in Egypt and the Middle East. In ancient Greece and Rome, however, crowns sometimes made of leaves, were simply wreaths, awarded to victors in athletic tournaments or bestowed on citizens in recognition of an extraordinary deed. In medieval and modern times, the crown is generally made of metal, often gold or silver and inlaid with precious gems. 

Next we will discuss the crest:

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a sceptre of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

SWORD: The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry. European Knights during the period of Crusades, used swords that were less bulky and blades tapering for thrusting as well as hacking. Swords of the Teutonic Knights featured downward quillons that first appeared around the 11th century. To them, swords were the symbols of truth and honor and were bestowed on one of stature. In heraldry, differentiation of the type of sword is rare, however, you will find reference to the scimitar, the seax, the saber, the claymore, the rapier, Irish sword etc. The usual form in Heraldry is a long straight blade, with a cross handle. Quillons can be pointing downwards, upwards, s shaped, with cruciform’s (cross shaped), fleur-de-lis tipped and more. Pommels can be round, square, ring-shaped (like the Irish sword) or other shapes. A sword can also be blazoned wavy, which may be symbolic of the Christian flamed sword. The changes in warfare associated with the introduction of firearms did not eliminate the sword but rather proliferated its types. The discarding of body armor made it necessary for the swordsman to be able to parry with his weapon, and the thrust-and-parry rapier came into use. The advantage of a curved blade for cutting was early appreciated in Asia, where it was long used by the Indians, Persians, and others before its introduction to Europe by the Turks. The Turkish scimitar was modified in the West to the cavalry saber. At the other extreme of Asia, the Japanese developed a long-bladed, slightly curved version with a two-handed grip, with which an elaborate dueling cult, as well as ancestor worship, became associated.

ARGENT (fr.): The tincture silver. By those who emblazon according to the planetary system it is represented by the Moon, just as the tincture of gold is represented by the Sun. Hence it is sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers. As silver soon becomes tarnished, it is generally represented in painting by white. In engraving it is known by the natural color; and in tricking by the letter a. In the doubling of mantles it may be called white, because(as the old heralds say) it is not in that case to be taken for a metal, but the skin of a little beast called a Litvite. Sometimes, too, in old rolls of arms the term blanc is used.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

SCEPTER: A staff used by the ancient Pharaohs as a symbol of kingship and is also a religious symbol of temporal power; throughout the ages borne to represent sovereignty and dominion.

SALTIRE: The term is from Middle English sautire, which is from Middle French saultoir or saulter to jump, or from Latin saltare. In the days of old the Saltire was made of the height of man and was driven full of pinnes (metal pegs), the use whereof was to scale the low walls of towns; from this interpretation the Saltire was bestowed upon one who was successful in accomplishing such a military mission. The Saltire is also known as St. Andrew’s cross as according to legend is that shape because the apostle Andrew petitioned the Roman authorities who had sentenced him to death not to crucify him on the same shape of cross as Christ, and this was granted. St. Andrew is Scotland’s patron saint and the Saltire is today its flag and national symbol; from this interpretation the Saltire is in recognition of Scotland, its patron saint, faith and resolution.

ENFILED: When a sword is drawn with the head of a beast, a coroner, or any other object so placed that the blade pierces it though, the sword is said to be enfiled with such an object; or in the case of rings, crowns, or fillets, though which a sword or crosier is passed, the term may also be used.

CIVIC CROWN: A chaplet of common oak leaves woven to form a crown. During theRoman Republic and the subsequent Principate, it was regarded as the second highestmilitary decoration to which a citizen could aspire (the Grass Crown being held in higher regard). It was reserved for Roman citizens who saved the lives of fellow citizens by slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy that same day. The citizen saved must admit it; no one else could be a witness

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

MEANING: Habitational name from Corley in Warwickshire or Coreley in Shropshire, both named with Old English corna, a metathesized form of crona, genitive plural of cron, cran‘crane’ + lēah‘ woodland clearing’.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Mayberry'.

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The Coat-Of-Arms of the Corley Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Corley' from England. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Or (gold) on a mount in base an oak tree vert (green) overall on a fess gules (red) three regal crowns of the field (gold)

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a scepter of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

MOTTO: SUBDITUS FIDELIS REGIS ET SALUS REGNI (A Faithful Subject Of The King Is A Preserver Of The Monarchy)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

MOUNT (rising or hillock): On which crests are often under set, and usually for artistic purposes. Although occasionally, they were used to represent burial mounds and symbolized either remembrance, or protection by the device or charge resting on the mound. Sometimes referred to as a Compartment. 

OAK TREE: An oak was often the guardian tree of a family. It is the emblem of virtue and strength and resiliency. Long associated with thunder gods such as Thor in Norse mythology; denotes steadfastness, endurance. Known as the holy oak by ancient Christians, denoting worship. 

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

FESS: Represents a military belt or girdle of honor. The word Fesse is a French word; and signifies the loins of a man. The girdle of honor may seem to have been in ancient time given by Emperors, and Kings, and their Generals of the field unto soldiers, for reward of some special service performed by them. This Ordinary has been anciently taken for the same that we call Baltheum militare or a belt of honor. The bestowing of this military girdle was reputed very honorable because none were to receive it but men of merit. If a knight was disarmed of his Military girdle by his demerits and offence, he is there-with-all deprived of all Military privileges.

GULES (Red), (fr. gueules): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived.

CROWNS: Are symbols of monarchy, state and power and denotes dignity and accomplishment. The etymology is as follows Middle English coroune, crowne, from Old French corone, from Latin corona wreath, crown, from Greek korOnE culmination, something curved like a crow's beak, literally, crow; akin to Latin cornix crow, Greek korax raven. The use of the crown as a symbol of monarchy is of ancient tradition in Egypt and the Middle East. In ancient Greece and Rome, however, crowns sometimes made of leaves, were simply wreaths, awarded to victors in athletic tournaments or bestowed on citizens in recognition of an extraordinary deed. In medieval and modern times, the crown is generally made of metal, often gold or silver and inlaid with precious gems. 

Next we will discuss the crest:

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a sceptre of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

SWORD: The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry. European Knights during the period of Crusades, used swords that were less bulky and blades tapering for thrusting as well as hacking. Swords of the Teutonic Knights featured downward quillons that first appeared around the 11th century. To them, swords were the symbols of truth and honor and were bestowed on one of stature. In heraldry, differentiation of the type of sword is rare, however, you will find reference to the scimitar, the seax, the saber, the claymore, the rapier, Irish sword etc. The usual form in Heraldry is a long straight blade, with a cross handle. Quillons can be pointing downwards, upwards, s shaped, with cruciform’s (cross shaped), fleur-de-lis tipped and more. Pommels can be round, square, ring-shaped (like the Irish sword) or other shapes. A sword can also be blazoned wavy, which may be symbolic of the Christian flamed sword. The changes in warfare associated with the introduction of firearms did not eliminate the sword but rather proliferated its types. The discarding of body armor made it necessary for the swordsman to be able to parry with his weapon, and the thrust-and-parry rapier came into use. The advantage of a curved blade for cutting was early appreciated in Asia, where it was long used by the Indians, Persians, and others before its introduction to Europe by the Turks. The Turkish scimitar was modified in the West to the cavalry saber. At the other extreme of Asia, the Japanese developed a long-bladed, slightly curved version with a two-handed grip, with which an elaborate dueling cult, as well as ancestor worship, became associated.

ARGENT (fr.): The tincture silver. By those who emblazon according to the planetary system it is represented by the Moon, just as the tincture of gold is represented by the Sun. Hence it is sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers. As silver soon becomes tarnished, it is generally represented in painting by white. In engraving it is known by the natural color; and in tricking by the letter a. In the doubling of mantles it may be called white, because(as the old heralds say) it is not in that case to be taken for a metal, but the skin of a little beast called a Litvite. Sometimes, too, in old rolls of arms the term blanc is used.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

SCEPTER: A staff used by the ancient Pharaohs as a symbol of kingship and is also a religious symbol of temporal power; throughout the ages borne to represent sovereignty and dominion.

SALTIRE: The term is from Middle English sautire, which is from Middle French saultoir or saulter to jump, or from Latin saltare. In the days of old the Saltire was made of the height of man and was driven full of pinnes (metal pegs), the use whereof was to scale the low walls of towns; from this interpretation the Saltire was bestowed upon one who was successful in accomplishing such a military mission. The Saltire is also known as St. Andrew’s cross as according to legend is that shape because the apostle Andrew petitioned the Roman authorities who had sentenced him to death not to crucify him on the same shape of cross as Christ, and this was granted. St. Andrew is Scotland’s patron saint and the Saltire is today its flag and national symbol; from this interpretation the Saltire is in recognition of Scotland, its patron saint, faith and resolution.

ENFILED: When a sword is drawn with the head of a beast, a coroner, or any other object so placed that the blade pierces it though, the sword is said to be enfiled with such an object; or in the case of rings, crowns, or fillets, though which a sword or crosier is passed, the term may also be used.

CIVIC CROWN: A chaplet of common oak leaves woven to form a crown. During the Roman Republic and the subsequent Principate, it was regarded as the second highest military decoration to which a citizen could aspire (the Grass Crown being held in higher regard). It was reserved for Roman citizens who saved the lives of fellow citizens by slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy that same day. The citizen saved must admit it; no one else could be a witness

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

MEANING: Habitational name from Corley in Warwickshire or Coreley in Shropshire, both named with Old English corna, a metathesized form of crona, genitive plural of cron, cran ‘crane’ + lēah‘ woodland clearing’.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Mayberry'.

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The Coat-Of-Arms of the McAdams Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'McAdams' from Ireland. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Vert (green) a cross calvary in the dexter chief a mullet and in the sinister a crescent all or (gold)

CREST: On a mount vert (green) a cock proper in the bill a cross as in the arms

MOTTO: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES (Under This Sign Thou Shalt Conquer)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

CROSS CALVARY (fr. Cr. de Calvaire): A long cross or Latin cross. Sometimes called a Holy cross.

MULLET: A bearing resembling a five-pointed star. It is sometimes called a spur rowel, but it was in use long before the rowel spur. When used as a difference it denotes the third son.

CRESCENT: A bearing resembling the half moon with the points turned up. When used as a mark of cadency it denotes the second son.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

Next we will discuss the crest:

CREST: On a mount vert (green) a cock proper in the bill a cross as in the arms

MOUNT (rising or hillock): On which crests are often under set, and usually for artistic purposes. Although occasionally, they were used to represent burial mounds and symbolized either remembrance, or protection by the device or charge resting on the mound. Sometimes referred to as a Compartment.

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

COCK: A symbol of vigilance, and also an emblem of St. Peter. It denotes great courage, and as the herald of the dawn, it is often used as an emblem of watchfulness. It signifies a hero in the field or an able man in the senate. It is said the Cock, crows three times before the death of a person. As the Cock was always connected in symbolism with the sun gods of Death and Resurrection, it has found its appropriate place in the four Gospels in the prophecy about Peter repudiating his Master before the Cock crowed thrice. The Cock is the most magnetic and sensitive of all birds, hence its Greek name "alectruon". In the Zoroastrian Avesta, the Cock is called Parodarsh "he who foresees" the coming dawn, and is also termed the drum of the worlds, for he crows in the dawn that dazzles away the fiends of the Avesta: thus he shares with the dawn the honor of the victory.

 PROPER: In heraldry the term proper describes a charge represented in its natural color.

CROSS AS IN THE ARMS: Described above

MEANING: Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Adaim ‘son of Adam’. In Ireland, it has also been adopted as a surname by bearers of the names McCadden (in County Armagh) and McCaw (in County Cavan), as well as by bearers of a number of unrelated names including Barry (a Norman family in County Cork).

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Corley'.

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The coat-of-arms of the 'Lauer' family.

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Lauer' from Germany. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'Rieistap's Armorial General, Book 2, page XXIX, 8th row and 1st plate'.

ARMS: Sable (black) issuing from a mount vert (green) a demi man affrontee habited and wearing a hat or (gold) in the sinister hand a bunch of grapes and in the dexter a sycle proper

CREST: The man of the arms

MOTTO: No family motto found

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

SABLE (Black): Black, the coldest of the colors, corresponds to lead. Black, or ‘sable,’ is symbolic of sadness. It also corresponds with winter and is a humble color, suitable for the deeply religious. It denotes the qualities of knowledge, piety, serenity and work. Engravers represent it with numerous horizontal and vertical lines crossing each other.

MOUNT (rising or hillock): On which crests are often under set, and usually for artistic purposes. Although occasionally, they were used to represent burial mounds and symbolized either remembrance, or protection by the device or charge resting on the mound. Sometimes referred to as a Compartment.

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

MAN: Meaning lost in antiquity. Perhaps representing what the original bearer was know for. In this case a farmer.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

GRAPES: An ancient symbol of hospitality and youthfulness; vineyard.

SYCLE: Shows a bountiful harvest from the hands of a farmer.

PROPER: In heraldry the term proper describes a charge represented in its natural color.

Next we will discuss the crest:

It is the man of the arms so it has the same meaning as discussed above.

MEANING OF NAME: Nickname from Middle High German lūre, German Lauer ‘crafty or cunning person’, ‘cheat’ (apparently originally ‘one with narrowed eyes’).

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'McAdams'.

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Ricci Coat-Of-Arms

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Ricci' from Italy. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'Rieistap's Armorial General, Book 2, page CLVI, 1st row and 1st plate'.

ARMS: Argent (silver) on a terrace vert (green) a hedgehog proper on a chief or (gold) three roses gules (red)

CREST: A rose as in the arms

MOTTO: No family motto found

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms:

ARGENT (Silver or White): Sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers: peace and sincerity.

TERRACE: Having a mount in base, and represented as covered with grass.

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

HEDGEHOG: It collects its stores for the winter with its prickles and is symbolic of a provident provider.

CHIEF: An honorable ordinary occupying the whole of the top and one-third of the total surface of the shield, and it has often been granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom, as well as for successful command in war. The Chief betoken a senator or honorable personage borrowed from the Greeks, and is a word signifying a ‘head’, in which sense we call capitaneous (so named for caput, the head), a chieftain. And as the head is the chief part of a man, so the Chief in the escutcheon should be a reward of such one, whose high merits have procured them chief place, esteem, or love amongst men.

CHIEF: An honorable ordinary occupying the whole of the top and one-third of the total surface of the shield, and it has often been granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom, as well as for successful command in war. The Chief betoken a senator or honorable personage borrowed from the Greeks, and is a word signifying a ‘head’, in which sense we call capitaneous (so named for caput, the head), a chieftain. And as the head is the chief part of a man, so the Chief in the escutcheon should be a reward of such one, whose high merits have procured them chief place, esteem, or love amongst men.

ROSE: The early Greeks and the Romans inexorably linked the rose to love, beauty, purity and passion. The Christians adopted the Rose as a symbol of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and hence became a symbol of motherhood and purity.

GULES (Red): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived from the Latin gula, which in old French is found as gueule, i.e. the "red throat of an animal." Others, again, have tried to find the origin in the Hebrew word gulade, which signifies red cloth. Symbolizes a warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity. 

Next we will discuss the crest:

It is the rose as in the arms so it has the same meaning as discussed above.

MEANING OF NAME: Nickname for a person with curly hair, from riccio ‘curly’, or from a personal name of the same derivation.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Lauer'.

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Wallis Coat-Of-Arms

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Wallis' from England. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Origin Database'.

ARMS: Checky or (gold) and sable (black) on a fess gules (red) three leopards faces or (gold) 
jessant de lis

CREST: A leopards face cabossed or (gold)

MOTTO: NEC DEVIUS UNQUAM (Never Varing)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms:

CHECKY: In heraldry the term checky means divided into small alternating squares of two tinctures. The term is used of both the field and of an armorial bearing.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

SABLE (Black): Black, the coldest of the colors, corresponds to lead. Black, or ‘sable,’ is symbolic of sadness. It also corresponds with winter and is a humble color, suitable for the deeply religious. It denotes the qualities of knowledge, piety, serenity and work. Engravers represent it with numerous horizontal and vertical lines crossing each other.

FESS: Represents a military belt or girdle of honor. The word Fesse is a French word; and signifies the loins of a man. The girdle of honor may seem to have been in ancient time given by Emperors, and Kings, and of his Military girdle by his demerits and offense, he is there-with-all deprived of all Military privileges.

GULES (Red): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived from the Latin gula, which in old French is found as gueule, i.e. the "red throat of an animal." Others, again, have tried to find the origin in the Hebrew word gulade, which signifies red cloth. Symbolizes a warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity.

LEOPARD: In heraldry, represents those brave and generous warriors who have performed some bold enterprise with force, courage, promptitude, and activity.

JESSANT DE LIS: A fleur-de-lis shooting out from the mouth of a leopard or a lion. Conferred by Edward III during his wars in France, as a reward to some of the leaders who served under him in his victorious campaigns. The lion of the English arms is swallowing the lily of the French coat. 

Next we will discuss the crest:

LEOPARD: In heraldry, represents those brave and generous warriors who have performed some bold enterprise with force, courage, promptitude, and activity.

CABOSHED, CABOSSED OR CABOCHED: Trunked (old fr. caboche): terms applied to the heads of beasts, when borne full-faced and with no part of the neck being visible, so that it appears like the marks of a head.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

MEANING OF NAME: From Anglo-Norman French waleis ‘Welsh’ (from a Germanic cognate of Old English wealh ‘foreign’), hence an ethnic name for a Welsh speaker.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Ricci'

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McClain Coat-Of-Arms

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'McClain' from Scotland. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Origin Database'.

ARMS: Quarterly 1^st argent (silver) a rock gules (red) 2^nd argent (silver) a dexter hand gules (red) holding a cross crosslet fitchee azure (blue) 3^rd or (gold) a galley oars cross sable flags gules (red) 4^th argent (silver) two eagles heads recontrant in base a salmon proper

CREST: A tower embattled argent (silver)

MOTTO: RECTUM MEI VENERATIO (Virtue Mine Honor)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms:

QUARTERLY, (fr. ecartele): When a coat of arms is divided into four parts, which is usually party per cross (rarely per saltire). The term quarterly is found in ancient rolls, and the lines of partition are subject to many of the variations to which ordinaries are subject. The divisions are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, beginning at the dexter chief, and most frequently Nos. 1 and 4 are alike, as also Nos. 2 and 3; and when the quarter is charged its number must be always specified. 

ARGENT (Silver or White): Sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers: peace and sincerity.

ROCK: Generally borne proper, and issuing from the base of the shield; it only occurs in comparatively late coats of arms.

HAND: The human hand is often borne in coat armour, though only one instance has been observed in the early rolls, and that only incidental. The hand is generally couped at the wrist, and is so represented if no other description is given.

GULES (Red): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived from the Latin gula, which in old French is found as gueule, i.e. the "red throat of an animal." Others, again, have tried to find the origin in the Hebrew word gulade, which signifies red cloth. Symbolizes a warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity.

CROSS CROSSLET: Signifies the fourfold mystery of the cross.

FITCHEE (cross pointed at base): A combination of cross and sword; symbolizing unshakeable faith.

AZURE (BLUE): Tears shed in a great battle over a lost compatriot or family member or the bearer shows some great work unaccomplished and deplored his unavailing efforts; also grief, loss.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

GALLEY (Lymphad): An ancient ship with one mast; a feudal ensign; notable expedition by sea, by which, perhaps, the first bearers had become famous.

SABLE (Black): Derived from animals with black feet called Sable; signifies constancy or sometimes grief; mysteriousness.

EAGLE: A noble device signifying a person of action, ever more occupied in high and weighty affairs, and one of lofty spirit, ingenious, speedy in apprehension, and judicious in matters of ambiguity; true magnanimity and fortitude of mind; a symbol of power and sovereignty. The Eagle also symbolizes courage, freedom, and immortality. It proudly served as an emblem of the might and unity of empire for Babylon, the Caesars, Charlemagne and many Holy Roman and Byzantine emperors as well as for Russian czars, Aztecs and Napoleon. The heraldic Eagle appeared in Persian and Egyptian battle ensigns and on the flags of the Roman legions. The Romans called the Eagle the "bird of Jove, and carried it on their standards, into battle. If a legion lost its Eagle, it was in disgrace until the Eagle could be recovered. It was the Roman custom to let an Eagle fly from the funeral pyre of a deceased emperor, bearing the god's soul to heaven after a period of earthly incarnation as the emperor. Early Christians honored the Eagle as a symbol of hope, of strength and of Resurrection. The latter is based on the early belief that the Eagle, unlike other birds, periodically renewed its plumage and its youth by flying near the sun then plunging into the water. The majestic Eagle was central to many mythologies and sacred writings of humanity. The ancient Greeks revered the eagle as a symbol of the god of lightning, and it is said they nailed Eagles to the peaks of temples to serve as magic lightning rods; Scandinavian myths also associate the Eagle with lightning and storm. The Hittites (an ancient people living in Anatolia and northern Syria about 2000-1200 B.C) used the double Eagle as an emblem of sovereignty. 

RECONTRANT: When two charges are facing away from each other.

SALMON: From the Latin, salmo, to leap; the leaping fish. The sacred Salmon represents the ancient sanctity of water, its power to destroy and create. At another level it may stand for the troubled human soul, in its perpetual struggle to reconcile itself to itself; a symbol of perseverance. Legend states that the magic Salmon gained the power of wisdom by consuming the hazel nuts that dropped into sacred springs. Betoken on one of wisdom, knowledge and constancy. 

Next we will discuss the crest:

TOWER (castle, chateau): The emblem of grandeur and society, and has been granted sometimes to one who has faithfully held one for his king, or who has captured one by force or strategy. The castle of Western Europe was a Norman creation, stemming from the 10th and 11th-century 'Norman Mound' castles. A castle that became the model for many English and Norman castles was the formidable castle built at Arques in Normandy by Henry I of England. In the Middle East the Crusaders developed great castles with double circuits of curving outer walls and towers or turrets to overlook all sections of the wall. Early in the 13th century the medieval castle, a mixture of Norman, English, and Byzantine elements were born.

EMBATTLED: A line of partition resembling a row of battlements, (from which it derived its origin and its name) across the shield, the term may also be applied to the edge of an ordinary.

MEANING OF NAME: Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Gille Eathain, a patronymic from a personal name meaning ‘servant of (Saint) John’. The family bearing this name were chieftains in several islands of the Inner Hebrides.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Wallis'

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