coat of arms

coat of arms

Definition of COAT OF ARMS

1

: a tabard or surcoat embroidered with armorial bearings

2

a : heraldic bearings (as of a person) usually depicted on an escutcheon often with accompanying adjuncts (as a crest, motto, and supporters) b : a similar symbolic emblem

Origin of COAT OF ARMS

Middle English cote of armes, translation of Middle French cote d'armes

First Known Use: 14th century