Metal. The Tinctures Or and Argent: Nos. [50], 51.
Mill-rind. See Fer-de-Moline.
Mitre. The ensign of archiepiscopal and episcopal rank, placed above the arms of prelates of the Church of England, sometimes borne as a charge, and adopted by the Berkeleys as their crest. The contour of the mitre has varied considerably at different periods, the early examples being low and concave in their sides, the later lofty and convex. See [No. 159].
Moline. A cross terminating like a Fer-de-moline, [No. 97]. In modern cadency it is the difference of the eighth son.
Moon. [No. 166], page 80.
Motto. A word, or very short sentence, placed generally below a shield but sometimes above a crest, an idea perhaps derived from the “war-cries” of early times. A motto may be emblematical, or it may have some allusion to the person bearing it, or to his name and armorial insignia; or it may be the epigrammatic expression of some sentiment in special favour with the bearer of it. As a matter of course, allusive mottoes, like allusive arms, afford curious examples of mediæval puns. I give a few characteristic examples:—“Vero nil verius” (nothing truer than truth, or, no greater verity than in Vere)—Vere; “Fare, fac” (Speak—act; that is, a word and blow)—Fairfax; “Cave” (beware)—Cave; “Cavendo tutus” (safe, by caution, or by Cavendish)—Cavendish; “Set on,” says Seton; “Fight on,” quoth Fitton; “Festina lente” (On slow—push forward, but be cautious, that is), adds Onslow. Again: Jefferay says, “Je feray ce que je diray” (I shall be true to my word); Scudamore—Scutum amoris divini (the shield of Divine love); says James—“J’aime jamais” (I love ever); says Estwick—“Est hic” (he is here); and Pole—“Pollet virtus” (valour prevails); and Tev—“Tais en temps” (be silent in time). The crest of Charteris, an arm with the hand grasping a sword, has over it—“This our charter is.” In his arms the Marquess Cholmondeley bears two helmets, and his motto is—“Cassis tutissima virtus” (valour is the safest helm); the crest of the Martins of Dorsetshire was an ape, with the significant motto—“He who looks at Martin’s ape, Martin’s ape shall look at him!” The motto of Perceval is—“Perse valens” (strong in himself); but, “Do no yll,” quoth Doyle. Some “lippes,” as Camden remarks, have a taste for “this kind of lettuce.”
Mound. A globe, encircled and arched over with rich bands, and surmounted by a cross-patée, the whole an ensign of the royal estate. A mound or orb forms part of the regalia, and the same form appears upon the intersecting arches of the crown of the Sovereign; and it also surmounts the single arch of the coronet of the Prince of Wales: Nos. [234], [289].
Mount. A green hill.
Mullet. A star, generally of five, but sometimes of six or more points (if more than five the number to be specified), always formed by right lines, as No. 278. A mullet is sometimes “pierced,” as in No. 279, when the tincture of the field is generally apparent through the circular aperture. In modern cadency an unpierced mullet is the difference of the third son. See Estoile.
| No. 278.— Mullet. | No. 279.— Mullet, pierced. |