What does cheveron mean?
Cheveron is a specialized noun denoting a V-shaped form associated with heraldry and military rank insignia. In its principal heraldic sense, a cheveron is a bend whose two arms meet at an upward-pointing angle, resembling an inverted V. Such a charge may appear alone on a shield or be combined with other devices, and heraldic descriptions commonly specify its color, position, and any charges placed upon it. In a second, historical sense, the word refers to a V-shaped stripe worn on a uniform sleeve to indicate a soldier’s rank. Although the more familiar spelling is chevron, cheveron remains a traditional heraldic variant. The word is therefore especially useful to readers studying coats of arms, blazons, military insignia, or the history of uniform design.
nounIn heraldry, a V-shaped bend with its point upward; by extension, a V-shaped stripe worn on a military sleeve to indicate rank.
- A V-shaped bend with its point upward, used as an ordinary in heraldry.
- A V-shaped stripe worn above the cuff of a military uniform to indicate rank.
"The shield bears a gold cheveron between three red crosses."
"The knight's arms display a cheveron charged with three silver bells."
"The sergeant's uniform bears a cheveron below the cuff."
Used when several heraldic charges or rank stripes are being referred to.
"Two silver cheverons appear on the escutcheon."
The same V-shaped mark can crown a coat of arms or indicate a soldier's rank.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cheveron come from?
Cheveron entered English from Anglo-French and Old French cheveron, a diminutive of French chevre, meaning “goat.” The ultimate source is Latin capra, also meaning “goat”; the comparison reflects the resemblance of the V-shaped device to a pair of horns. The related forms chevron, chevronel, and chevronné preserve the same French and Latin origin.
How cheveron is actually used
Rare and specialized. It is principally encountered in formal heraldic descriptions and in older or traditional descriptions of military insignia.
Easily confused with cheveron
Chevron is the more common modern spelling and is used for both the heraldic charge and the military rank insignia; cheveron is a traditional variant chiefly used in heraldry.