DEFINITION.
Heraldry is the science of conventional distinctions impressed on shields, banners, and other military accoutrements; or it is the art of armory and blazoning, or the knowledge of what relates to the bearing of arms, and the laws and regulations appertaining thereto. Arms in heraldry are ensigns armorial or marks of honor borne upon shields, banners, and coats of mail, in order to distinction. The science of Heraldry consists particularly in the appropriation of figurative representations, designed, by suitable emblems, to exhibit the achievements of valor, the descent of hereditary honors, and the distinctions appertaining to nobility.
The Degrees of Honor existing in England in 1597, were nine; of which five were noble, as Gentleman, Esquire, Knight, Baron, and Lord; and four were excellent, as Earl, Marquess, Duke, and Prince.—The Degrees of Honor existing in the British nation in 1847 are eleven; namely, Gentleman, Esquire, Knight, Baron, Baronet, Lord, Viscount, Earl, Marquess, Duke, and Prince.