Boyes, Great Theatre of Honour, 1754. In this great work the various forms of shields, and the etymology of their names, are treated on at considerable length. The Greeks had five:—the Aspis, the Gerron or Gerra, the Thurios, the Laiveon, and the Pelte or Pelta. The Romans had the Ancile, the Scutum, the Clypeus, the Parma, the Cetra, and others; but none of these approached the shape of the lozenge. The shields of modern nations are also dealt with at length; still the author appears to have had no information nor an opinion upon the lozenge, which he dismisses with these remarks:—
"L'écu des filles est en lozenge, de même de celui des veuves; et en France et ailleurs, celles-ci l'ornent et l'entourent d'une cordelière ou cordon à divers neuds. Quant aux femmes mariées, elles accollent d'ordinaire leurs armes avec celles de leurs époux; mais quelquefois elles les portent aussi en lozenge."
Coates, Dictionary of Heraldry, 1725, quotes Colombière, a French herald, who, he says, gives upwards of thirty examples of differently formed shields; but no allusion is made to the lozenge.
Carter, Honor Redivivus, 1660.
Dugdale, Ancient Usage in bearing Arms, 1682.
Gwillim, Display of Heraldry, 1638.
Camden, Remains, 1637.
Gerard Legh, Accedence of Armorie, 1576.
None of these authors have touched on the subject; which, considering that at the least two of them are the greatest authorities, appears somewhat strange.
Ferne, Blazon of Gentrie, 1586—