A Glossary Of Terms

ARMS: 
the main "shield" in the Coat of Arms.

CHARGE: 
symbols in the midst of the arms.

CREST: 
the boiled leather symbol of each knight attached to his helmet to identify him in pageants. This symbol can also be found at the top of the Coat of Arms.

DEXTER: 
to the left of the viewer, right of the wearer.

FIELD: 
the main body of the shield.

MANTLING: 
the tattered helmet cloth of the knight which is fancifully draped on the shield in points and dags.

MOTTO: 
phrase (often in French or Latin) found in Coat of Arms.

MULLET: 
symbol the shape of a star.

RAMPANT: 
rearing.

SINISTER: 
right of the viewer, left of the wearer.

TORSE: 
the cloth roll of the two principle colors which covers the joint where the crest joins the helmet. It is usually included in the knight's lady's colors in jousting tournaments.

What do the colors mean?

BLACK: 
(sable) - this color comes from the fur of an animal and is associated with night and repentance. The quality of serenity is attributed to the tincture from scriptural sources.

BLUE: 
(azure) - this tincture represents loyalty and splendor.

GREEN: 
(vert) - This tincture represents hope, vitality and plenty.

GOLD: 
(or) - The use of this metal denotes generosity, valor and perseverance.

PROPER: 
the color it is in nature.

PURPLE: 
(purpure) - loyalty and splendor, Royal Majesty, sovereignty and justice.

RED: 
(gules) - A tincture that represents fire. In military application this color signifies fortitude. In general it denotes valor, patriotism, magnanimity and creative power.

SILVER: 
(argent) - This metal denotes nobility, serenity, peace, sincerity and charity. Silver has also been associated with the qualities of purity and chastity, because it withstands the test of fire.