eˈscallop-ˈshell
= scallop-shell.
1. The shell of the escallop, usually a single valve of the shell.
Pilgrims returning from the shrine of St. James at Compostella were accustomed to wear an escallop-shell found on the Galician shore; hence, this shell (in ecclesiastical symbolism used as the emblem of the apostle) is often referred to as the distinctive badge of a pilgrim.
| 1628 Coke On Litt. Pref., The Senators of Rome did weare bracelets of Escalop shelles about their armes. 1634 Peacham Gentl. Exerc. ii. iv. 116 Upon her [Thetis'] head a Coronet of Periwinkle and Escallop shelles. 1644 Evelyn Mem. (1857) I. 101 The piazza..being made with descending steps, much resembles the figure of an escalop-shell. 1835 Kirby Hab. & Inst. Anim. I. viii. 254 None are more beautiful..than.. Escallop shells or Comb shells. 1846 Prescott Ferd. & Is. I. vi. 283 The escalop-shell, the device of St. James, was adopted as the universal badge of the palmer. |
2. An imitation of a scallop shell used for ornamental purposes; esp. in the collar of the order of St. Michael.
| 1664 Evelyn Acc. Architects (R.), With such ornament and decoration as best becomes them: as to Nymphs..escalop-shells. 1864 J. Woodward in N. & Q. V. 184 The collar of this order was composed of escallop shells. |
3. Her. The figure of an escallop borne as a charge.
| 1610 J. Guillim Heraldry iii. xxiii. (1611) 171 He beareth Argent, an Escallop shell gules by the name of Prelate. 1628 Coke On Litt. Pref., A Cheuron betwene three Escalop shelles Sable. 1766–87 Porny Heraldry 175 Three Escallop-shells Pearl. 1864 Boutell Heraldry Hist. & Pop. xv. 192 The escallop shells appear again upon the shield of De Bigot. |