When worn over the armor it was commonly emblazoned with the arms of the wearer, and from this the name was given to the garment adopted for heralds
{i} short heavy cloak; loose outer garment worn by a knight; garment worn by a herald and decorated with his master's coat of arms
Originally a light garment worn over the armor embroidered with the arms of the wearer The tabard is now worn only by heralds and pursuivants-at-arms, and is embroidered with the arms of the sovereign
a short sleeveless outer tunic emblazoned with a coat of arms; worn by a knight over his armor or by a herald