noun
heraldry
HAIR-ul-dree/ˈherəldri/
The system of designing, using, and studying coats of arms.
She studies heraldry to understand the symbols on coats of arms.
Etymology
Old French hiraudie meant “heralds collectively.” The English meaning shifts from those officials to the art of arms and armorial bearings associated with their office.
In context
those of you who understand the language of heraldry will probably have recognized this the coat of arms
More examples
- In heraldry, each color has a traditional name.
- The designer follows the rules of heraldry when creating a new coat of arms.
- His knowledge of heraldry helps him identify the family crest.
Forms
heraldry
heraldic adjective — Relating to coats of arms.