| Fig. 84.—Bendlets enhanced. | Fig. 85.—Pale. | Fig. 86.—Pale engrailed. |
When the field is composed of an even number of equal pieces divided by lines following the angle of a bend the field is blazoned "bendy" of so many (Fig. 58). In most cases it will be composed of six or eight pieces, but as there is no diminutive of "bendy," the number must always be stated.
THE PALE
The pale is a broad perpendicular band passing from the top of the escutcheon to the bottom (Fig. 85). Like all the other ordinaries, it is stated to contain the third part of the area of the field, and it is the only one which is at all frequently drawn in that proportion. But even with the pale, the most frequent occasion upon which this proportion is definitely given, this exaggerated width will be presently explained. The artistic latitude, however, permits the pale to be drawn of this proportion if this be convenient to the charges upon it.
Like the other ordinaries, the pale will be found varied by the different lines of partition (Figs. 86-94).
The single circumstance in which the pale is regularly drawn to contain a full third of the field by measurement is when the coat is "per fess and a pale counterchanged." This, it will be noticed, divides the shield into six equal portions (Fig. 95). The ease with which, by
the employment of these conditions, a new coat can be based upon an old one which shall leave three original charges in the same position, and upon a field of the original tincture, and yet shall produce an entirely different and distinct coat of arms, has led to this particular form being constantly repeated in modern grants.
| Fig. 87.—Pale invecked. | Fig. 88.—Pale embattled. | Fig. 89.—Pale raguly. |
| Fig. 90.—Pale dovetailed. | Fig. 91.—Pale indented. | Fig. 92.—Pale wavy. |
| Fig. 93.—Pale nebuly. | Fig. 94.—Pale rayonné. | Fig. 95.—Pale per fesse counter changed. |
The diminutive of the pale is the pallet (Fig. 96), and the pale cottised is sometimes termed "endorsed."
Except when it is used as a mark of difference or distinction (then usually wavy), the pallet is not found singly; but two pallets, or three, are not exceptional. Charged upon other ordinaries, particularly on the chief and the chevron, pallets are of constant occurrence.