heraldry
heraldry — noun
1. an academic field that studies how armorial symbols are designed, what they mean
an academic field that studies how armorial symbols are designed, what they mean, and the families or institutions connected with them
Nadia is taking a university course on medieval heraldry and the history of noble families.
uncountable noun: 'medieval heraldry' as a field of study
The library holds many books on British heraldry from the 16th century.
Abigail grew interested in heraldry after finding her family's coat of arms in a trunk.
To understand the symbols on the palace gate, you need some knowledge of French heraldry.
Experts in heraldry can tell a family from the design of its coat of arms.
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — it describes a field of knowledge, not a physical object. Do not use 'a heraldry' to mean a specific coat of arms (use sense 2 for that).
常見錯誤
2. a coat of arms or a similar heraldic emblem that visually represents a particula
a coat of arms or a similar heraldic emblem that visually represents a particular family, person, or institution
The university's official heraldry features a golden lion against a blue background.
countable use: 'the university's heraldry' — a specific emblem
Femi had the family heraldry embroidered onto a banner for the reunion dinner.
Ancient tapestries in the castle display the heraldry of every lord who lived there.
The museum guide explained the meaning of each colour and animal in the royal heraldry.
Each knight's shield displayed his personal heraldry so that others could recognize him in battle.
- coat of arms
the most common everyday term for a family emblem; 'heraldry' is more technical and formal
- crest
strictly refers to the top part of a coat of arms, but often used loosely as a synonym for the whole design
- insignia
a broader term for any official symbol or badge, not necessarily hereditary
用法筆記
Countable in this sense — you can refer to 'a heraldry' for a single coat of arms, though 'coat of arms' is more common in everyday speech. The plural 'heraldries' exists but is rare.