| COLORS | Even the colors can have special meaning in a "family crest" or coat of arms: |
| Gold (Or) | Generosity and elevation of the mind |
| Silver or White (Argent) | Peace and sincerity |
| Red (Gules) | Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity |
| Blue (Azure) | Truth and loyalty |
| Green (Vert) | Hope, joy, and loyalty in love |
| Black (Sable) | Constancy or grief |
| Purple (Purpure) | Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice |
| Orange (Tawny or Tenne) | Worthy ambition |
| Maroon (Sanguine or Murray) | Patient in battle, and yet victorious |
| FURS | The mere fact that a shield or crest contains furs suggests a mark of dignity. Usually the fur coat of the weasel is represented. |
| Ermine | White with black spots. |
| Erminois | Gold with black spots. |
| Ermines | Black with white spots. |
| Pean | Black with gold spots. |
| Vair | Blue and white bell-shaped objects. |
|
Heraldic Lines and Ordinaries: |
|
| Nebuly Line |
Clouds or air |
| Wavy Line |
Sea or water |
| Engrailed Line |
Earth or land |
| Invected Line |
Earth or land |
| Indented Line |
Fire |
| Dancette Line |
Water |
| Raguly Line |
Difficulties that have been encountered |
| Embattled Line |
Walls of a fortress or town (also, fire) |
The following are some of the more common
heraldic
symbols and their meanings
as suggested by some historians:
| Acacia Branch or Leaves | Eternal and affectionate remembrance |
| Acorn | Antiquity and strength. |
| Agricultural Tools |
Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence; see also Scythe and Sickle |
| Alisaunder (Similar to laurel) | Peace and/or triumph. |
| Allerion (Mythical creature, similar to an eagle, but without beak or claws) | Strength of will and authority of mind. |
Anchor![]() |
Hope; religious steadfastness |
Angel![]() ![]() ![]() |
Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news |
| Annulet (finger ring) |
Fidelity |
| Ant | Great labour, wisdom, and providence in one's affairs |
Antelope (heraldic)![]() |
A mythical animal with the body of a stag, the tail of a unicorn, a tusk at the tip of the nose, tufts down the back of the neck, chest, and thighs (usually represented with two straight horns serrated on one side) |
| Antlers | Strength and fortitude |
| Anvil | Honour; emblem of the smith's trade |
| Apple | Liberality, felicity, and peace |
Arm (or Hand) in Armour or Embowed![]() |
A person with qualities of leadership |
| Arm, Naked | An industrious person |
| Arrow or Dart | Readiness (for battle); if depicted with a cross, represents an affliction |
| Ass | Patience and humility |
| Axe (Also Halbert, Halberd, Hatchet) |
Execution of military duty |
| Baguette (gem ring) | Fidelity |
| Banderole |
See Banners |
| Banners (See banderole) | Refer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service |
| Bar, Barry, or Barrulet | "One who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honour against angry passions and evil temptations" acc. to Guillim |
| Barry Wavy | Troubles keep us in continuous exercise and reminders of providence (as waves in a storm at sea) |
| Bat | Awareness of the powers of darkness and chaos. |
| Baton | Token of authority |
| Battle Axe (See Axe) | Execution of military duty |
| Bay Leaves | Poet or victor's laurel |
| Beacon (Also Lantern or Lighthouse) |
One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger |
Bear![]() |
Strength, cunning, ferocity in the protection of one's kindred |
Beaver![]() |
Industry and perseverance |
Bee![]() ![]() |
Efficient industry |
Bells![]() |
Power to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war |
Bend/Bendy![]() |
Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection |
| Berries | Liberality, felicity, and peace |
| Bezant/Byzantine Coin (Also Besant; Gold Roundle) |
Worthy of trust of treasure. |
| Billet/Billettee | Bricks or letters (correspondence); one who obtained credence, knowledge, and faith in his words and deeds; one who is secret in one's affairs. |
| Birdbolt (See Arrow) | Small arrow with blunt head. |
Bishop's Mitre![]() ![]() |
Authority |
| Blasted | Tree without leaves, withered |
Boar![]() |
Bravery; fights to the death |
| Boar's Head |
Hospitality |
| Bonacon (See Bull) | Bull with horse's tail and short mane. |
Bomb (Mortar piece)![]() |
One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle |
| Bones (crossed thighbones) | Mortality |
Book![]() ![]() ![]() |
If open, manifestation; if closed, counsel |
| Border | Difference between relatives bearing the same arms; also an augmentation of an honour |
| Bourdon | See pilgrim's or palmer's staff -- knob at upper end, point at bottom, hook near top |
| Bow |
Readiness (for battle) |
| Bow and Arrow | War, power, ability to hit a target |
| Braced | Interlaced |
Bracket![]() |
May be single or double; right angle-shaped support, as in a shelf support |
| Bridge |
Governor or magistrate |
| Broom Plant | Humility |
Buck![]() |
One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony |
Buckle![]() |
Victorious fidelity in authority |
| Buglass (purple quatrefoil) | Hope and joy. |
Bull/Buffalo![]() |
Valour, bravery, generosity |
Bull's Head![]() |
Valour, bravery, generosity |
| Bull's Horns | Strength and fortitude |
Butterfly![]() |
Psyche or Soul |
| Cadences (Marks of Cadences) | Used to differentiate the heirs in a family.. see Marks of Cadency web page |
Caduceus![]() |
Homeopathic medicine; medical profession; balance and the union of opposing forces |
Caltrap![]() |
|
| Candle (Lamp) | Light, life, and spirituality. |
| Camel | Docility, patience, and perseverance |
Cannon and Cannon Balls![]() |
One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle |
| Candle (Lamp) |
Light, life, and spirituality |
| Canton | As in a flag borne at the top corner of the shield; reward from the sovereign for performance of eminent service |
| Cap of Maintenance |
Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons (see "Chapeau") |
| Carnation | Admiration |
| Carpenter's Square | Conforming one's actions to the laws of right and equity |
Castle (Tower/Chateau)![]() ![]() |
Safety |
Cat![]() ![]() (Also Wildcat or Lynx) |
Liberty, vigilance, forecast, and courage |
Catherine Wheel![]() |
One prepared to undergo great trials for the Christian faith |
| Centaur | Eminence in the field of battle |
| Chains | Reward for acceptable and weighty service; with crowns and collars, this suggests the bearer bore the chain of obligation or obliged others because of services done |
| Chapeau (See also "cap of maintenance") | Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons |
Chaplet (Floral)
![]() |
Usually with green leaves and four roses: the crown of joy and admiration |
| Chequy | Constancy |
Cherub![]() |
Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news |
| Chess Rook | Strategic thinking |
| Chevron |
Protection; Builders or others who have accomplished some work of faithful service |
| Chief | Top one-third of the shield; signifies dominion and authority; often granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom or successful command in war |
Chough (Cornish Crow)![]() |
Strategist in battle; watchful for friends |
Cinquefoils![]() ![]() |
Hope and joy |
| Civic Wreath (of oak leaves and acorns) | One who saved a fellow citizen's life or shown patriotism in defense of one's native land |
Clarion![]() |
Ready for war |
| Claw of a Bird | Note the preyer that has been preyed upon |
| Clouds | Mystery, obscured truth |
Cock (male bird)![]() |
Courage and perseverance; hero; able man in politics |
| Cockatrice (small serpent) ![]() |
Terror to all beholders |
| Column |
Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude |
| Comet |
Unknown |
| Compass | Direction |
| Compony or Gobony | Constancy |
| Cornish Chough (crow, raven; See "chough") | Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providence |
| Cornucopia (horn of plenty) |
The bounty of nature's gifts |
| Cottice/Cotice (bendlet) | Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection |
Coupeaux![]() |
(Hills - usually three) Unknown; may be purely an artistic device |
| Crane (Stork) | Close parental bond; Vigilance if holding a rock |
Crescent![]() |
One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief) |
| Cresset (See "Beacon") | One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger |
Crosier/shepherd's crook![]() |
The shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also Episcopal jurisdiction and authority |
Cross![]() |
Faith; service in the Crusades |
| Cross (Celtic) |
Unity of heaven and earth |
Cross (Constantine's; Labarum)![]() |
Good omen; Christ; Christianity |
| Cross (Latin) |
Faith; Christianity |
Cross Crosslet![]() |
(crossed at each end) Signifies the fourfold mystery of the cross |
Cross Crosslet Fitchee![]() |
(cross pointed at base) A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith |
| Cross Flory (Patoncee) ![]() ![]() |
(cross flowered at each end) One who has conquered |
Cross Formee (Pattee)![]() |
Military honour |
| Cross (Knight's) |
|
Cross (Maltese)![]() |
(cross with eight points) Blessings; badge of Knights Hospitalier |
Cross Moline![]() |
The mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone) |
Cross Raguly![]() |
Difficulties encountered |
Cross Roucy![]() |
Faith |
| Crossed thighbones | Mortality |
| Crow (See also "Chough") | Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providence |
| Crown (See Examples) |
Royal or seigniorial authority |
| Crown (Mural) | Defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress |
| Crown (Naval) | One who first boarded an enemy's ship; distinguished naval commander |
| Crown of thorns | Adversity |
Cup (often covered)![]() |
Office of the king's butler |
Cushions![]() |
Authority |
| Cygnet (young swan) | Where gorged with a crown around its neck, signifies dignity |
| Cypress | Death and eternal life thereafter |
| Dagger or dart |
Justice and military honour |
| Dawle (black quatrefoil) | Hope and joy |
| Decrescent |
One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the sinister) |
Deer![]() |
One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony |
| Dice | Constancy |
Dog![]() |
Courage, vigilance, and loyalty |
Dolphin![]() |
Swiftness, diligence, salvation, charity, and love |
Dove![]() ![]() ![]() |
Loving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit; with an olive branch in its bill, it signifies a harbinger of good tidings |
Dragon![]() ![]() |
Valiant defender of treasure; valour and protection |
| Drops (Guttees) |
One who has endured torrents of liquids,
as in battle, depending upon the color of the liquid. Yellow: gold Blue: tears Green: oil White: water Black: pitch or tar Red: blood |
Drum![]() |
Ready for war |
| Duck (Also Teal) |
Person of many resources |
Eagle![]() (See Examples) |
Person of noble nature, strength, bravery,
and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and
judicious; "True magnanimity and strength of mind" acc. to Guillim. If wings "displayed," it signifies protection |
| Eagle with two heads | Conjoining of two forces |
| Elephant | Great strength, wit, longevity, happiness, royalty, good luck, and ambition |
| Enfield | Mythical beast said to have protected fallen chieftains' bodies for proper burial |
| Ermine Spot |
Mark of dignity |
| Escallop (scallop shell) | Traveller to far places or victorious naval commander |
Escarbuncle![]() |
Supremacy; brilliant gem |
| Escutcheon or small shield, alone, with no charges | Defense |
| Escutcheon of Pretence | (Small shield in center of primary shield.) Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the family |
Estoile (star with six wavy points)![]() |
Celestial goodness; noble person |
| Eye | Providence in government |
Falcon (Hawk)![]() (See Examples) |
One who does not rest until objective achieved |
| Fasces |
A bundle or rods tied together around an axe, with the blade projecting out; Symbol of a magistrate's authority and the judiciary. (It appears on the reverse side of the U.S. Liberty-head dime.) |
| Feathers | (usually ostrich feathers) Sign of obedience and serenity |
| Fer de moline (millrind) |
Center of the millstone, by which it is turned |
Fess/Fesse![]() |
Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the public |
| Fetterlock | Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war |
| Fife | Ready for war |
| Finger, pointing | Direction; correct route |
| Fire | Zealousness |
| Fish | A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment |
| Flag or Pennant | Refers to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service |
| Flanchi/flasque/flanches (Also flaunches) |
Given by a king for virtue and learning |
| Fleece (lamb's) | Ancient honour from the knightly order of the Fleece of Gold |
Fleur-de-lis![]() (See Examples) |
Purity; light; floral badge of France; represents sixth son as mark of difference |
| Flint stone | Readiness for zealous service |
| Flowers | Hope and joy |
| Fountain | Usually a roundle, crossed with wavy bars of blue and white; represents water, a spring |
| Fox | One who will use all that he/she may possess of wisdom and wit in his/her own defense |
| Fraises | Strawberries; usually refers to the cinquefoil |
| Fret (saltire through a mascle) ![]() |
(Also, fretty or latticework)
Persuasion |
| Fruit | Felicity and peace |
| Fusil (narrow lozenge) |
Travel and labour |
| Fusil of Yarn (yarn with the spindle) | Negotiation |
| Galley | See Ship |
| Gannet (duck without beak or legs) | One who has to subsist by virtue and merit |
| Garb (wheatsheaf) | The harvest of one's hopes has been secured |
| Gauntlet | Armed for the performance of martial enterprise |
| Gavel | Justice; legal authority |
| Gem or Jewel | Supremacy |
| Gillyflower (tawney quatrefoil) | Hope and joy |
| Globe | Worldliness; world travel |
| Goat | One who wins through politics rather than war |
| Gobony or Gobbony | Constancy |
| Goose | Resourcefulness |
| Gorged (around neck) | High dignity |
| Grapes | Liberality, felicity, and peace; also, association with wine-making |
| Grasshopper |
Noble and home-bred |
| Grenade | One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle |
| Greyhound | Courage, vigilance, and loyalty |
Griffin![]() |
(Head, wings, and talons of an eagle with the body of a lion); Valour and death-defying bravery; vigilance |
Gyronny![]() |
Unity (six- or eight-part division of the shield) |
| Hammer | Honour; emblem of the smith's trade |
| Hand | Pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice;
two right hands conjoined represent union and alliance |
| Hand, red | Mark of a baronet |
| Hare | One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life |
| Harp | Well-composed person of tempered judgment; contemplation; mystical bridge between heaven and earth |
| Harpy (virgin's face, neck and breast with the body of a lion) ![]() |
Ferocity under provocation |
| Hart (male deer) | Peace and harmony |
| Hawk (Falcon) | One who does not rest until objective achieved |
| Hawks' lures: | One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconry |
| Hazel branch or leaves | Hope and joy |
| Head (Human) | Honour; if the head of a "blackamoor" or Moor, refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades |
| Heart, Flaming | Intense, burning affection |
| Heart, Human | Charity and sincerity |
| Hedgehog | "Provident provider" acc. to Sloane Evans |
| Helmet | When depicted on the shield, denotes wisdom and security in defense; strength, protection, invulnerability |
| Hind (female deer) | Peace and harmony |
| Holly | Truth |
| Horns | Strength and fortitude |
| Horse (See also Seahorse) See Sample Horses |
Readiness for all employments for king and country |
| Horseshoe | Good luck and safeguard against evil spirits |
| Hourglass | Flight of time; mortality |
| Housemark | Presumably adopted by the bearers as forms of unique identification of European homes |
| Huitfoil (double quatrefoil) ![]() |
Mark of cadency for the ninth son |
| Human Head | Honour (if the head of a Blackamoor, it refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades) |
| Humettee | Describes an element that does not touch the sides of the shield |
| Hunting Horn | One who is fond of the chase, of high pursuits |
| Hydra (dragon with seven heads) | Conquest of a very powerful enemy |
| Increscent/Increment | One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the dexter) |
| Inescutcheon | See "Escutcheon of Pretence" |
| Ivy Leaves | Strong and lasting friendship |
| Inkhorn or Inkwell | Art of writing and educated employment |
| Jessamine (white quatrefoil) | Hope and joy |
| Jessant de lis | With a fleur-de-lis shooting out, i.e., from the mouth of a leopard or lion; Represents dominion over France. |
| Keys | Guardianship and dominion |
| Knight (especially on horseback) | The soul guiding the body; man's journey through life |
| Labarum (Constantine's Cross) | Good omen; Christianity |
| Label
|
Indicates first-born. See Marks of Cadency |
| Ladder (Scaling Ladder) | One who was fearless in attacking; if against a tower, be on guard against spiritual and corporeal enemies |
| Lamb or Ewe | Gentleness and patience under suffering |
| Lamb carrying staff or banner with a cross
(paschal lamb) |
Faith; innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit |
| Lamp/Lantern (See also "Candle") ![]() |
Light, life, and spirituality |
| Lance or Javelin | The perfection of martial affairs; emblem of knightly service; devotion to honour |
| Laurel Leaves | Peace and/or triumph |
| Leg | Strength, stability, and expedition |
| Leopard or Ounce | Valiant and hardy warrior who enterprises hazardous things by force and courage |
| Leopard's head swallowing a fleur-de-lis (jessant) | Represents the lion of England swallowing the lily of France |
| Letter (i.e., A, B, C) | May represent great battles or tournaments beginning with that letter |
| Level | Equity and upright action; virtuous person |
| Lightning Bolt | Swiftness and power |
| Lily | Purity; see "Fleur-de-lis" |
| Linden branch or leaves | Hope and joy |
Lion![]() (See Sample Lions) |
Dauntless courage |
| Lion, heraldic | Bravery, strength, ferocity, and valour |
Lozenge or Lozengy![]() |
Constancy |
| Lunel (Four crescent moons facing each other) | One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory |
| Lure (hawk's) | One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconry |
| Lymphad | See Ship |
| Lyre | Contemplation; tempered judgment |
| Man | Various meanings |
| Marigold | Devotion and piety |
| Martlet (footless swallow) ![]() |
Symbol of the fourth son (mark of difference); may signify one who has to subsist by virtue and merit, not inheritance |
| Mascle (hollowed out lozenge) ![]() |
Persuasive |
| Mastiff | Courage, vigilance, and loyalty |
| Matches | (Usually in a roll and fired) Possible reference ot one who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle |
| Maunch (lady's sleeve) | "For my lady's sake" |
| Mermaid | Eloquence |
| Millpick | Miller's tool |
| Millrind (or millstone) ![]() |
The mutual converse of human society; miller's tool |
| Mitre (Bishop's) |
Authority |
| Mole | Unknown |
| Monkey | Unknown |
| Moon | Serene power over mundane actions |
| Moor/Saracen/Turk | Dates back to the Middle Ages when it was considered an honor to take a Moor's head |
| Moor fowl or Moor-cock | Association with the law or the legal profession |
| Mortar Piece | One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle |
| Mount/Mound (See "Coupeaux") |
(Rounded terrace at base of the shield) Unknown; may be purely an artistic device |
| Mulberries | Liberality, felicity, and peace |
| Mule | Often borne by abbots and abbesses who have pastoral jurisdiction, but not real jurisdiction |
| Mullet (Star) ![]() |
Divine quality from above; mark of third son |
| Musical Pipes | Festivity and rejoicing |
| Oak Garb or Sheaf | The harvest of one's hopes has been secured |
| Oak Tree, Leaves, Bush | Great age and strength |
| Oak Tree/Bush with Acorns | Continuous growth and fertility |
| Olive Branch or Leaves | Peace and concordance |
| Orle | Circle of something; Preservation or protection |
| Ostrich/Ostrich plumes | Willing obedience and serenity |
| Otter | One who lives life to the fullest |
| Owl | One who is vigilant and of acute wit |
| Ox | Valour and generosity |
Pale/Palet/Pallet/Paly![]() |
Military strength |
| Palm Branch | Victory, justice, and royal honour |
| Palm Tree | Righteousness and resurrection; victory |
| Panther | Fierce, but tender and loving to children and will defend her children with her life |
| Parchment/Scroll/Diploma | Possible reference to academic or scholarly achievement |
| Parrot | Unknown |
Paschal Lamb![]() |
Faith, innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit |
| Passion Nails | Token of poignant suffering undergone by the bearer |
| Pavilion | Readiness for battle |
Peacock![]() |
Beauty, power, and knowledge |
| Peacock Feather |
Beauty, power, and knowledge |
| Pears | Felicity and peace |
Pegasus![]() |
Poetic genius and inspiration; messenger of God |
Pelican![]() |
Self-sacrifice and charitable nature; When feeding her young ("in her piety"), symbolizes the duties of a parent or parental love |
| Pen | Art of writing and educated employment |
| Pennon or Flag | Refers to some special action in which it was captured or as a reward for gallant service |
| Periwinkle (blue quatrefoil) | Hope and joy |
| Pheasant | Person of many resources |
| Pheon (Spear-head) ![]() |
Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle |
Phoenix![]() |
Symbol of resurrection |
| Pig | Fertility |
| Pike (Fish) | A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment. |
Pile![]() |
Represents large pieces of wood used in building bridges; engineering skills, builder; May represent a pennon or flag |
| Pilgrim's Stave/ Palmer's Stave |
The shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also may refer to early pilgrimages to Jerusalem |
| Pillar | Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude |
| Pincers | Honour; emblem of the smith's trade |
| Pine | Death and eternal life thereafter |
| Pine Cone | Life |
| Pipes (music) | Festivity and rejoicing |
| Pitcher | Office of service |
| Plant | Hope and joy |
| Plow or Ploughshare | Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence |
| Plume of feathers | Sign of willing obedience and serenity of mind |
| Plummet | Equity and upright action; virtuous person |
| Pomegranate Fruit | Fertility and abundance |
| Poplar leaves | Hope and joy |
| Poppy (sanguine quatrefoil) | Hope and joy |
Portcullis (castle gate)![]() |
Protection in an emergency |
Proboscides![]() |
Elephant trunks; usually represented in pairs; the elephant symbolizes longevity, strength, royalty, dignity, patience, wisdom, happiness, and good luck |
Quatrefoil (Primrose)![]() |
Brings good tidings |
| Rabbit (Conie) | One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life |
| Rainbow | Good times after bad |
| Ram | Authority |
| Rat | Unknown |
| Ratch-hound (small hound) | Loyalty, courage, and vigilance |
| Raven | Divine providence |
| Ray or Rayonnee | Glory and spendour; fountain of life; intelligence and enlightenment |
| Rhinoceros | Ferocious when aroused |
| Rock | Safety and protection; refuge |
Rose![]() |
Mark of the seventh son; Hope and joy; see also meanings for specific colors of roses |
| Rose, Red | Grace and beauty |
| Rose, White | Love and faith |
Roundles![]() |
Gold or yellow: bezants or byzantine coins
(worthy of trust or treasure) White: plate (generosity) Green: pomme (apple) Purple: golpe (wounded) Blue: hurt or wortleberry Black: pellet, ogress, or gunstone (cannon ball) Red: torteau (communion wafer or manchet cake) Tawney: orange (tennis ball) |
| Sabre (See Sword) | Justice and/or military honour |
| Saddle | Preparedness for active service |
| Salamander | Protection |
| Salmon (See Fish) | |
Saltire![]() |
(St. Andrew's Cross) Resolution |
| Savage/Saracen | Believed to be related to service in the Crusades |
| Scales | Justice |
| Scallop Shell | See "Escallop" |
| Sceptre | The emblem of justice |
| Scythe or Sickle | The hope of a fruitful harvest |
| Sea horse | Power of the water |
| Seal/Sea lion | Dauntless courage at sea |
| Seraphim | (angel with three pairs of wings) Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news |
| Serpent/Snake/Lizard |
Wisdom |
| Shacklebolt | Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war |
| Shamrock | Perpetuity; floral device of Ireland; also see Trefoil. |
| Shield | When borne on the arms, represents the defender |
| Ship | Ancient sea voyages |
| Ship, Dismasted | Disaster at sea |
| Shutle (Weaver's Shuttle) | Reference to the bearer's profession; i.e., textiles |
| Skull | Mortality |
| Snail | Deliberation and perseverance |
| Snake | Wisdom (see also Serpent) |
| Spear/Pike | Honourable warrior; valiant knight |
| Spear-heads (Pheons) | Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle |
| Sphere | Geographical or scientific reference |
| Sphinx | Omniscience and secrecy |
| Spider | Wisdom, labour, and prudence |
| Spur or Spur Rowel | Preparedness for active service; pressing onward |
| Square Symbols | Constancy |
| Squirrel | Lover of the woods |
Stag![]() (Also Reindeer) |
One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony |
| Stag's Antlers | Strength and fortitude |
| Star (estoile or mullet) | Celestial goodness; noble person |
| Steel | Readiness for zealous service |
| Stirrup | Preparedness for active service |
| Stool | Hospitality |
| Stork | Filial duty; close parental bond; If holding a rock, symbolizes vigilance |
| Sun | Glory and splendour; fountain of life |
| Swallow | One who is prompt and ready in doing business; also bringer of good news |
Swan![]() |
Poetic harmony and learning, or lover thereof; light, love, grace, sincerity, perfection |
| Sword/Dagger/Dart Sabre/Scimitar |
Justice and military honour |
| Table | Hospitality |
| Tabor | Festivity and rejoicing; dangerous if aroused |
Talbot (hunting dog)![]() |
Courage, vigilance, and loyalty |
| Tent | Readiness for battle |
| Terrace | Unknown; May be purely an artistic device |
Tiger![]() |
Fierceness and valour; resentment; dangerous if aroused |
| Torch | Life; zealousness; engaging in signal service; truth and intelligence |
| Tortoise | Invulnerability to attack |
| Tower | Safety and grandeur |
| Tree Trunk/Stump/Branch | New life sprouting from the old |
| Tree | Life and the mystical connection of the earth with heaven and the underworld |
| Trefoil or Shamrock (three-leaved grass) ![]() |
Perpetuity |
| Tressure | Preservation or protection (prominent in the arms of Scotland) |
| Tressure Flory Counterflory | Signifies the close and longterm alliance between France and Scotland |
| Trestle | Hospitality |
| Trident | Maritime dominion |
| Trumpet | Ready for war |
Unicorn![]() See Sample Unicorns |
Extreme courage; virtue and strength |
| Vine | Strong and lasting friendship |
Vol (Set of Wings)![]() |
Swiftness and protection |
| Vulture | Purification and maternity; also, virginity (in Christianity) |
| Walnut Leaves | Hope and joy |
Water Bouget![]() |
One who carried water to an army or a besieged place |
| Wheat-Ears | Faithful |
| Wheat Garb or Sheaf |
The harvest of one's hopes has been secured |
| Wheel | Fortune; cycle of life |
| Wings | Swiftness and protection |
| Wolf | Reward from perseverance in long sieges and/or hard industry |
| Woodbine Leaves | Love that does not injure that which it clings to |
| Woman | Various meanings |
| Wreath of laurel leaves and berries | Triumph |
| Wren | Freedom |
| Wyvern (Dragon with only two legs and armed tail) ![]() |
Valour and protection |
| Yew | Death and eternal life thereafter |