The Manual of Heraldry Part 12

CALTROP. An iron instrument made to annoy an enemy's cavalry. They were formed of iron, being four spikes conjoined in such a manner that one was always upwards. It is found in many ancient coats of arms.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Caltrop]

Ex. Argent, a caltrop proper.

CANTON. The French word for corner. It is a small square figure, generally placed at the dexter chief of the s.h.i.+eld, as in the annexed example.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Canton]

CELESTIAL CROWN. Distinguished from any other crown by the stars on the points or rays that proceed from the circlet.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Celestial crown]

CHAPEAU. Cap of maintenance or dignity, borne only by sovereign princes. It is formed of crimson or scarlet velvet, lined with ermine.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Chapeau]

CHAPLET. An ancient ornament for the head, granted to gallant knights for acts of courtesy. It is frequently borne as a charge in a s.h.i.+eld of arms, and always tinted in its natural colours. [Ill.u.s.tration: Chaplet]

Ex. Argent, a chaplet proper.

CHARGE. The figures or bearings contained in an escutcheon.

CHECKY. The field covered with alternate squares of metal and fur.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Checky]

Ex. Checky, sable and argent.

CHEVRON. This ordinary is supposed to represent the rafters of the gable of a house.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Chevron]

Ex. Or, a chevron gules.

CHEVRONEL. The diminutive of the chevron, being one half its size.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Chevronel]

Ex. Argent, two chevronels gules.

CHIEF. One of the honourable ordinaries. It is placed on the upper part of the s.h.i.+eld and contains a third part of it. The letters show the points in the chief. A is the dexter chief; B, the precise middle chief; C, the sinister chief.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Chief]

CHIMERICAL FIGURES. Imaginary figures, such as griffins, dragons, harpies, &c.: all of them will be found under their proper names.

CINQUE FOIL. Five leaves conjoined in the centre.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Cinque foil]

CIVIC CAP. A cap of dignity borne by mayors of cities or corporate bodies: it is formed of sables garnished with ermine.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Civic cap]

CLARION. A horn or trumpet borne in this shape in English and German coat-armour.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Clarion]

Ex. Azure, three clarions or.

CLENCHED. The fingers pressed towards the palm of the hand.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Clenched]

Ex. Azure, a dexter arm vambraced couped, the fist clenched proper.

CLOSE. A bird with its wings closed.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Close]

CLOSET. A diminutive of the bar, being only one half its width.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Closet]

Ex. Or, two closets azure.

CLOSEGIRT. A figure whose dress is fastened round the waist.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Closegirt]

Ex. Gules, an angel erect with wings expanded or, dress closegirt.

COAT ARMOUR, or Surcoat. A loose garment worn over the armour of a knight; hence the term coat of arms. On this garment were emblazoned the armorial bearings of the wearer.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Coat Armour]

c.o.c.kATRICE. A chimerical animal, a c.o.c.k with a dragon's tail and wings.

[Ill.u.s.tration: c.o.c.katrice]

COLLARED. Having a collar. Dogs and inferior animals are sometimes collared: the supporters and charges are generally said to be gorged.

See GORGED.

COMBATANT. A French word for fighting. See LION.

COMPLEMENT. The Heraldic term for the full moon. When this figure is introduced as a charge in a coat of arms, it is called a moon in her complement.

COMPONY. A term applied to a bordure, pale, bend, or any other ordinary, made up of squares of alternate metal and colour.