Blazon

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈbleɪzÉ™n/
• Rhymes: -eɪzÉ™n

Origin

From Old French blason ("shield").

Full definition of blazon

Noun

1. (heraldry) A verbal or written description of a coat of arms.
• 1894, James Parker, A Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry:...it should never be forgotten that the best blazon is that which is the most perspicuous
2. (heraldry) A formalized language for describing a coat of arms.
• 1997, Gerard J. Brault, Early Blazon:We must banish, therefore, the persistent but wholly erroneous notion that the heralds invented many of the terms used in blazon and borrowed the rest from the everyday lexicon of terms...
3. (heraldry) A coat of arms or a banner depicting a coat of arms.
• Sir Walter ScottTheir blazon o'er his towers displayed.
4. Ostentatious display, verbal or otherwise; publication; description; record.
• CollierObtrude the blazon of their exploits upon the company.
• ShakespeareThy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, actions, and spirit,
  Do give thee fivefold blazon.

Verb

1. (transitive) To describe a coat of arms.
• Addisonthe coat of arms, which I am not herald enough to blazon into English
• 1889, Charles Norton Elvin, A Dictionary of HeraldryAfter Blazoning the Shield, you proceed to the exterior ornaments viz.: The Helmet, Lambrequin, Crest, Supporters, Badge, and Motto
2. To make widely or generally known, to proclaim.
• Shakespeare, Cymbeline, Act VI-III:O thou goddess/ thou divine Nature, how thyself thou blazon'st/ in these two princely boys.
• TrumbullThere pride sits blazoned on th' unmeaning brow.
• Cowperto blazon his own worthless name
3. To display conspicuously or publicly.
4. To shine; to be conspicuous.
5. To deck; to embellish; to adorn.
• GarthShe blazons in dread smiles her hideous form.

Related terms

• emblazon
• device