Special note: There is some debate over whether or not the charges appearing in coats of arms really have any universal symbolism or just represented the personal likes and dislikes or characteristics of the Armiger. Listed with the charges, colors, lines and ordinaries below are the supposed symbolism of each. However, do not get locked into any particular charge simply because it may or may not have some sort of meaning. Choose the images you like and that are meaningful to you. That way, you can be sure to be happy with what you have chosen.

	Colors	Sample	Suggested Meanings
	Or (Gold)		Generosity and elevation of the mind
	Argent (White/Silver)		Peace and sincerity
	Gules (Red)		Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity
	Azure (Blue)		Truth and loyalty
	Vert (Green)		Hope, joy, and loyalty in love
	Sable (Black)		Constancy or grief
	Purpure (Purple)		Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice
	Tenne (Orange)		Worthy ambition
	Sanguine (Maroon)		Patient in battle, and yet victorious
	Murrey (Dark Purple)		Not Known
	Proper (Natural Colors)		Any charge depicted in it's natural colors

	Furs
	Ermine	White with black spots. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Erminites	White with black and red spots (black arrow shaped objects topped by red dots). Tinctures can not be changed.
	Erminois	Gold with black spots. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Ermines	Black with white spots. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Pean	Black with gold spots. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Vair	A white field with blue bell-shaped objects. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Counter Vair	version of Vair with bells placed facing. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Vair en Point	Version of Vair using the bells to form zig-zag lines. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Vair in Pale	Another version of vair with the bells stacked upon one another forming columns. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Vairy of Four	Another version of vair with bells in Gules, Sable, White and Or. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Potent	Rowns of alternating T-shaped objects. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Counter Potent	T-shaped objects are stacked and placed facing. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Potent en Point	Version of Potent creating rough zig-zag lines. Tinctures can not be changed.
	Fleury	Staggered Fluer-de-lis. Colors can be any combination of one metal color and one tincture.
	Papellone	Pattern of objects resembling fish scales. Colors can be any combination of one metal color and one tincture.
	Plumete	Feather plumes stacked on top of each other. Can also be depicted staggered. Colors can be any combination of one metal color and one tincture.
	Goutee	Staggered pattern of drops. Colors can be any combination of one metal color and one tincture.

	Heraldic Lines
	Nebuly Line	Clouds or air
	Wavy Line	Sea or water
	Engrailed Line	Earth or land
	Dovetailed Line	Unknown
	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)

	Ordinaries and Subordinaries
	Bend	Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection
	Canton	As in a flag borne at the top corner of the shield; reward from the sovereign for performance of eminent service
	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
	Cross	Faith; service in the Crusades
	Fess	Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the public
	Pale	Military strength
	Pall or Shakefork	unknown
	Pile	Represents large pieces of wood used in building bridges; engineering skills, builder; May represent a pennon or flag
	Quarter	No set meaning... this is simply a subordinary (a way to divide the field of a shield or lozenge
	Saltire	(St. Andrew's Cross) Resolution

	Charges:	Suggested Meanings:
	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
	Bell (Bells)	Power to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war
	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)</TD>	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 Cadency)	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
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
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	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)	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
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	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 (See Examples)	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)	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.
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	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
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.
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
vRabbit (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)
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 (also see Trefoil)	Perpetuity; floral device of Ireland.
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 (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	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