hereditary designs and symbols depicted on an escutcheon, sometimes accompanied by other elements of a heraldic achievement, such as a helm, crest, crest coronet, torse, mantling and supporters; described by a blazon
A collection of symbolic devices (emblems) in a defined form identifying a person and his direct descendants Usually consisting of a shield covered with one or more symbols and colors used to indicate something about the person The symbols used are defined in heraldry
The coat of arms of a family, town, or organization is a special design in the form of a shield that they use as a symbol of their identity. = crest. coats of arms a set of pictures or patterns painted on a shield and used as the special sign of a family, town, university etc. or shield of arms Heraldic device dating to the 12th century in Europe. It was originally a cloth tunic worn over or in place of armour to establish identity in battle. In the full armorial achievement the distinctively patterned shield is ornamented with a crest, helmet, mantling, motto, crown, wreath, and supporters and rests upon a compartment. Arms were later adopted as emblems for schools, churches, guilds, and corporations to reflect their origins or histories. See also heraldry
the FIP symbol that represents Parliament and identifies ministers and their offices, parliamentary secretaries, institutions whose heads report directly to Parliament, and institutions with quasi-judicial functions Also known as the Arms of Canada