blazon

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to display, describe, or proclaim something conspicuously or publicly

   The newspaper blazoned the accusation across its front page.

2. 2
   noun

   a formal description of a coat of arms in heraldic language

   The herald read the blazon before unveiling the newly granted arms.

3. 3
   verb

   to describe or depict a coat of arms according to the rules of heraldry

   The archivist blazoned the shield as silver with a red lion.

From Middle English blason, through Old French blason, originally 'shield' and later a heraldic description. The figurative verb developed from the idea of displaying armorial bearings so prominently that they announce identity or achievement.

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