Somewhere In Tyme home page

Coat of Arms - Charges I-N

Charges | A | B | C | D - F | G - H | I - N | O - Q | R - S | T - Z |

Increscent	This is the crescent with horns to the dexter which signifies one who has been honored by the sovereign and hope of greater glory.
Inescutcheon	When borne as a charge on an actual shield, the image of a shield signifies defense. In German and Scottish armory the inescutcheon bears the symbols of the paternal side, but in English heraldry it is used to carry the arms of an heiress wife.
Inkpot	Emblematic of the liberal art of writing and of learned employment.
Instruments	Musical instruments are heraldic symbols that, in general, signify festivity and rejoicing. The bearers of these signs may have been musicians or ceremonial trumpeters. The flute-like clarion and the trumpet could signify the call to battle, or the mustering call for a crusade. They are suitable heraldic bearings for someone who would bravely follow such a sound into battle. See also HARP, HUNTING HORN, TRUMPET.
Jessant de lis	A fleur de lis shooting out of the mouth of a leopard (lion). The leopard (lion) represents England while the fleur de lis represents France, signifying the dominion of England over France.
Key	The key is a symbol of knowledge and of guardianship, and of dominion. Two keys crossed is the emblem of St. Peter who held the keys to the gates of heaven, and this emblem is part of the insignia of His Holiness the Pope.
Knight	On horseback, represents a warrior. May also represent man's journey through life.
Label	The label was a decorative piece of fabric, usually silk. In heraldry, it is represented by a narrow band across the top of the shield, edged by another band from which three short bars hang down. In English arms a label was a mark of difference indicating that the bearer was the eldest son and heir.
Ladder	The ladder is often a scaling-ladder and was a symbol of fearlessness in attack as the scaling of walls with ladders was an extremely dangerous tactic used in laying siege to a castle. It is also a symbol of resolution. The scaling-ladder has hooks on the ends to hook over the edge of a wall. The symbol may be a reminder to stand carefully on guard, especially against spiritual and corporeal enemies.
Lamb	Symbolizes gentleness and patience under suffering. See also PASCHAL LAMB.
Lamp	A symbol of light, life and spirituality.
Lance	The lance is an emblem of knightly service and devotion to honor and chivalry. See also SPEAR.
Lapwing	The lapwing bird is symbolic of strategy because it outwits hunters by leading them away from its nest. Those who bear the sign of the lapwing are shrewd strategists. Has also been called Plover, Peewhit, Tyrwhitt
Laurel Leaf	Peace and or triumph. See also LAUREL WREATH.
Laurel Wreath	In ancient times, Laurel leaves were thought to be remedies against poison, as well as tokens of peace and quiet. They are symbolic of triumph and fame, especially when it is gained after a long, inner struggle.
Leg	Symbolizes strength, stability and expedition.
Leopard	The leopard is a symbol of a valiant and hardy warrior who braves dangers with enduring force and courage.
Level	A sign of equity and upright action. Also represents a virtuous person.
Lightning	Signifies swiftness and power. Also the effecting of some weighty business with great clarity and force. See also THUNDERBOLT.
Lily	The lily is the emblem of purity and innocence. It is also a symbol of the Virgin Mary. It is usually represented by the fleur-de-lis, but can also be in its natural form. It also became an emblem of political power in France. See also FLEUR DE LIS.
Lion	The lion has always held a high place in heraldry as the emblem of deathless courage, and, hence, that of a valiant warrior. It is said to be a lively image of a good soldier, who must be "valiant in courage, strong of body, politic in council and a foe to fear." In Ireland it was the symbol of the great warrior chief.
Lizard	The lizard is an ancient heraldic symbol signifying good luck.
Lozenge	The lozenge is a symbol of honesty and constancy and it is also a token of noble birth. It signifies persuasion.
Lynx	The lynx is an ancient heraldic symbol indicating that its bearer was possessed of particularly keen sight.
Man-Tiger	Also known as a manticora or mantegre. It has the body of a heraldic tiger and the head of an old man, with long spiral horns coming out of the forehead. It is said to represent one who is wise and honorable, but will fight with fierceness.
Martlet	This is a footless swallow. In England, it is the mark of difference symbol of the fourth son. It may also symbolize one who has been disposed of land and has had to subsist by virtue and merit and not by inheritance. The Martlet is a popular charge in the Netherlands. In Ireland it was known as the bird of perpetual movement. See also GANNON and SWALLOW.
Mascle	It is supposed to represent the links of chain armour and signified persuasiveness. A mascle is an open lozenge, or a lozenge voided, and it is merely a lozenge with a smaller one removed from the inside. It is said to be a piece on which armor was fastened, and to represent a mesh of a net or the links of chain armour.
Matches	Usually shown in a roll and fired. Symbolizes one who has fought with cannons and grenades and fireballs.
Maunch	The maunch represents a lady's sleeve. It became used in heraldry from the custom of the knights who attended tournaments wearing their ladies' sleeves. The maunch was the symbol for a man whose heart had been captured by a maiden. It is a symbol of devotion, as well as victory in tournament.
Mermaid	The mermaid or merman is a favorite symbol for seafarers or anything related to the sea. The merman was also referred to as a triton and siren was occasionally an alternate name for mermaid. Both are symbols of eloquence. The mermaid is generally represented with the traditional mirror and comb in her hands. A melusine is a mermaid with two tails one on each side of her, commonly found in German heraldry.
Millpick	A Miller's tool.
Millstone/Millrind	A reminder of the mutual converse of human society. Also a miller's tool. See also Fer de Moline.
Mirror	The mirror is a symbol of the imagination and truth. It is often shown being held in the right hand of a mermaid.
Mitre	Symbolizes religious authority. Also known as a Bishop's Mitre.
Moon	The image of the moon is a symbol of the goddess Diana and indicates, in its bearer, the serene power to endure mundane duties. It is also a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
Moor	Represented by a dark-skinned head. It is often used as a crest. It indicates one who fought in the crusades with deeds of prowess - or "took the head" of many of the enemy. See also BLACKAMORE.
Moorcock	The moorcock or heathcock is a mythical bird that has the head and body of an ordinary cock united with either the flat tail of black game, or two or more large tail feathers at right angles to its body. Represents one who achieves victory through stealth and cunning.
Moose	Represents one who is strong and enduring in battle.
Mullet	A 5-pointed star. Represents divine quality bestowed by God. May also symbolize the third son.
Musimon	A musimon is supposed to be a cross between a ram and a goat with the body and feet of a goat, the head of a ram, and four horns: two straight like a goat's and two curved like a ram's. It is believed to symbolize one in authority who leads with strength. Also called a Tityron.