ey are barons of the realm, and have
precedence next to viscounts: they have the title of _lords_, and
_right reverend fathers in God_.

BLAZON. To describe in proper colours, or lines representing colours,
all that belongs to coats of arms. Arms may also be emblazoned by
describing the charges and tinctures of a coat of arms in heraldic
terms.

BLUE-MANTEL. A title of one of the pursuivants at arms. See HERALD.

BORDURE or BORDER. This was the most ancient difference in coats of
arms, to distinguish different branches of the same family. It is a
border round the edge of the shield. Its situation is always the same;
but the inner edge may be varied.

[Illustration: Bordure]

Ex. Argent, a sinister hand couped at the wrist and erected gules,
within a bordure azure.

BOTTONNY. See CROSS BOTTONNY.

BOUJET. An ancient water bucket, frequently borne in shields of arms.

[Illustration: Boujet]

Ex. Argent, a boujet proper.

BRACED. Two figures of the same form, interlacing each other.

[Illustration: Braced]

Ex. Vert, two triangles braced, argent.

BRASED and BRAZED are words sometimes used by ancient armorists. They
always describe things interlaced or braced together.

BROAD ARROW. An ancient weapon of war, thrown by an engine. It is
frequently borne as a charge in coats of arms.

[Illustration: Broad arrow]

Ex. Argent, a broad arrow gules.

CABOCHED or CABOSHED. Beasts' heads borne without any part of the
neck, and full faced.

[Illustration: Caboched]

Ex. Argent, a stag's head caboshed, proper.

CALTROP. An iron instrument made to annoy an enemy's cavalry. They
were formed of iron, being four spikes conjoined in such a manner that
one was always upwards. It is found in many ancient coats of arms.

[Illustration: Caltrop]

Ex. Argent, a caltrop proper.

CANTON. The French word for corner. It is a small square figure,
generally placed at the dexter chief of the shield, as in the annexed
example.

[Illustration: Canton]

CELESTIAL CROWN. Distinguished from any other crown by the stars on
the points or rays that proceed from the circlet.

[Illustration: Celestial crown]

CHAPEAU. Cap of maintenance or dignity, borne only by sovereign
princes. It is formed of crimson or scarlet velvet, lined with ermine.

[Illustration: Chapeau]

CHAPLET. An ancient ornament for the head, granted to gallant knights
for acts of courtesy. It is frequently borne as a charge in a shield
of arms, and alwa