The Manual of Heraldry; Fifth Edition / Being a Concise Description of the Several Terms Used, and Containing a Dictionary of Every Designation in the Science

by Anonymous

ADDORSED. Any animals set back to back. See [LION].

ALLERION. An eagle displayed, without beak or feet.

Ex. Argent, an allerion gules.

ALTERNATE. Figures or tinctures that succeed each other by turns.

AMETHYST. A precious stone of a violet colour, the name of which was formerly used instead of purpure, to denote the purple tincture when emblazoning the arms of the English nobility.

ANNULET. A small circle borne as a charge in coats of arms.

Ex. Azure, an annulet argent. Annulets are added to arms for a difference. See [DIFFERENCES], p. 13.

ANCIENT. A small flag or ensign. The bearer of the flag was called by its name. Iago was ancient to the troops commanded by Othello.