BLAZONING

Etymology

Noun

blazoning (plural blazonings)

The action of the verb to blazon; the activity of describing heraldic coats of arms.

Verb

blazoning

present participle of blazon

Source: Wiktionary

BLAZON

Bla"zon, n. Etym: [OE. blason, blasoun, shield, fr. F. blason coat of arms, OF. shield, from the root of AS. blæse blaze, i. e., luster, splendor, MHG. blas torch See Blaze, n.]

1. A shield. [Obs.]

2. An heraldic shield; a coat of arms, or a bearing on a coat of arms; armorial bearings. Their blazon o'er his towers displayed. Sir W. Scott.

3. The art or act of describing or depicting heraldic bearings in the proper language or manner. Peacham.

4. Ostentatious display, either by words or other means; publication; show; description; record. Obtrude the blazon of their exploits upon the company. Collier. Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, actions, and spirit, Do give thee fivefold blazon. Shak.

Bla"zon, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Blazoned; p. pr. & vb. n. Blazoning.] Etym: [From blazon, n.; confused with 4th blaze: cf. F. blasonner.]

1. To depict in colors; to display; to exhibit conspicuously; to publish or make public far and wide. Thyself thou blazon'st. Shak. There pride sits blazoned on th' unmeaning brow. Trumbull. To blazon his own worthless name. Cowper.

2. To deck; to embellish; to adorn. She blazons in dread smiles her hideous form. Garth.

3. (Her.)

Definition: To describe in proper terms (the figures of heraldic devices); also, to delineate (armorial bearings); to emblazon. The coat of , arms, which I am not herald enough to blazon into English. Addison.

Bla"zon, v. i.

Definition: To shine; to be conspicuous. [R.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition