Herald - Page 3 - Law Dictionary

Pursuivant

A functionary of lower rank than a herald but discharging similar duties called also pursuivant at arms an attendant of the heralds Also used figuratively...

Argent, silver, sometimes called Luna in the arms of princes, and Pearl in those of peers. As silver soon becomes tarnished it is generally represented in painting by white. In engraving it is known by the natural colour of the paper, Herald. Term....

Tabard

Tabard [fr. tabardum, Low Lat.], a short gown; a herald's coat; a surcoat....

Poursuivant

Poursuivant, a king's messenger; those employed in martial causes were called Poursuivants-at-Arms.There are, at present, in the Heralds' Office four poursuivants, distinguished by the names following:-(1) Rouge Croix.--Instituted at an uncertain period, but generally considered to be the most ancient. The title was doubtless derived from the cross of St. George.(2) Blue Mantle..--An office instituted by Edward III. or Henry V., and named either in allusion to the colour of the arms of France or to that of the robes of the Order of the Garter.(3) Rouge Dragon.--This poursuivancy was founded by Henry VII. on the day before his coronation, the name being derived from the ensign of his ancestor, Cadwaladyr. He also assumed a red dragon as the dexter supporter of his arms.(4) Portcullis.--This office was instituted by the same monarch, from one of whose badges the title was derived. See HERALD. As to the office of Paurguivant of the Great seal, ss. 37 & 38, Vict. C. 81....

VerbarNeacutebuleacute

Composed of successive short curves supposed to resemble a cloud said of a heraldic line by which an ordinary or subordinary may be bounded...

Surname

Surname [fr. surnom, Fr.] It is a great dispute whether we should write surname or sirname; on the one hand, there are a thousand instances in Court rolls and other ancient muniments where the description of the person is written over the Christian name, this only being inserted in the line; and the French always write surnom. There is, however, no impropriety to say sirname, since these additions are to apparently taken from our sires, [or fathers], the family name; the name over and above the Christian name, Encyc. Londin. The part of a name which is not given in baptism; the last name; the name common to all members of a family. Surnames were originally acquired by accident and retained by custom. They may be changed at will, provided notice be given by advertisement or otherwise so as to prevent fraud or mistake, or by royal licence from the Heralds' Office. See NAME....

Sanguine or Murrey

Sanguine or Murrey, blood-colour, called in the arms of princes Dragon's tail, and in those of lords Sardonyx. It is a tincture of very unfrequent occurrence, and not recognized by some writers. In engraving it is denoted by numerous lines in saltire, Heraldic Term...

Sable

Sable, the heraldic term for black. It is called Saturn by those who blazon by planets, and Diamond by those who use the names of jewels. Engravers commonly represent it by numerous perpendicular and horizontal lines crossing each other....

Purpure, or Porprin

Purpure, or Porprin, the colour commonly called purple, expressed in engravings by lines in bend sinister. In the arms of princes it was formerly called Mercury, and in those of peers, Amethyst, Heraldic term....

Lord Lyon King-of-Arms

Lord Lyon King-of-Arms, the principal Officr of Arms in Scotland. His duties are both ministerial and judicial, and include control of all arms, badges, and signs armorial, the execution of royal proclamations, the appointment and control of messengers-at-arms, the granting of certificates in connection with changes of names, etc. under him are three heralds, and three Pursuivants....

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