blazonry
(ˈbleɪzənrɪ)
[f. as prec. + -ry.]
1. The description or depicting of heraldic devices.
| 1622 Peacham Compl. Gentl. xv. (1634) 158, I purpose not heere to enter into a large field and absolute discourse of Blazonry. 1829 Scott Demonol. iii. 98 Those who practise the art of blazonry. |
2. A heraldic device, or collection of heraldic devices; armorial bearings.
| a 1649 Drummond of Hawthornden Disc. Impresas Wks. (1711) 228 The old impresa or arms, blazonry of the house and family. 1805 Southey Madoc in W. x, Madoc approach'd, and saw the blazonry. 1845 Carlyle Cromwell's Lett. & Sp. (1873) I. 19 The Cromwell blazonry..has given place to Montague blazonry. |
b. fig.
| 1850 Blackie æschylus II. 273 Broidered vestments torn in many a shred, Grief's blazonry. 1877 Farrar My Youth xxxiv. 342 To make you..read on your souls the heraldic blazonry of their high origin from God. |
3. fig. Display by brilliant colouring, setting forth with artistic skill.
| 1814 Southey Roderick iii. 14 That vision floated still Before his sight with all her blazonry. 1816 J. Scott Vis. Paris (ed. 5) 173 The blazonry, in stone or canvass, of the exploits that have wasted their blood and treasure. 1878 Mrs. Stowe Poganuc P. iii. 19 No pageants, no sights, no shows, except the eternal blazonry of nature. |