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Terminology

Heraldry uses a specific language which allows for a clear verbal description which those with heraldic knowledge anywhere in the world will be able to interpret into a pictorial version. It is this verbal description, or blazon, which determines the design of the Arms and in Volume 1 of the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland there are very few pictorial renderings of blazons.

Glossary

Colours or metals:-

Title	Description
Or	Gold or Yellow
Argent	Silver or White
Gules	Red
Azure	Blue
Sable	Black
Vert	Green
Purpure	Purple
Ermine	White with black 'tails'
Erminois	Gold with black 'tails'

Ordinaries or charges:-


Chief	Fess	Pale

Chevron	Bend	Saltire

	Cross