or a
difference. See DIFFERENCES, p. 13. [CHAP. III.]

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_.

"This is Othello's ancient, as I take it.
The same indeed, a very valiant fellow." SHAKSPEARE.

ARCHBISHOPS. Church dignitaries of the first class. There are but two
in England--the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York.
The former is the first peer of England next to the royal family, and
has the title of _Grace_ given to him; and likewise _Most Reverend
Father in God_. He is styled Primate of all England, and Metropolitan.

The Archbishop of York has precedence of dukes and great officers of
state, except the lord chancellor. He is called _His Grace_ and
_Most Reverend Father in God_; and styled _Primate of England_ and
_Metropolitan_.

ARGENT. The French word for silver, of which metal all white fields or
charges are supposed to consist.

[Illustration: Argent]

ARMED. This word is used to express the horns, hoofs, beak, or talons
of any beast or bird of prey, when borne of a different tincture from
those of their bodies.

[Illustration: Armed]

Ex. Crest, a demi-griffin armed, gules.

ARMORIST. A person skilled in the bearings of coats of arms, and all
relating to their emblazonment.

ARMS. A word derived from the Latin _arma_, which signifies in
Heraldry a mark of honour, serving to distinguish states, cities,
families, &c.

ARROWS. Short darts feathered at the ends.

[Illustration: Arrows]

Ex. Argent, three arrows paleways, points in chief sable, feathered.

ASPECTANT. Animals placed face to face in a charge are said to be
aspectant. If they are about to attack each other, they are said to be
combatant.

ASSUMPTIVE. Arms assumed without being sanctioned by a grant from the
College of Heralds.

ASSURGENT. A man or beast rising out of the sea is said to be
assurgent.

ATCHIEVEMENT. The coat of arms fully emblazoned according to the rules
of Heraldry. The lozenge-shaped atchievements that are displayed on
the outside of the houses of persons deceased are commonly called
Hatchments.

ATTIRED. When the horns of a stag are of a different tincture to its
head, it is said to be attired.

[Illustration: Attired]

Ex. Argent, a stag lodged, proper, attired, or

AUGMENTATION. This word signifies in Heraldry a particular mark of
honour, granted by the sovereign in consideration of som