What does fesswise mean?
Fesswise is a term used in heraldry to describe the orientation of a shield. In this position, the shield is displayed facing the viewer, with the arms or other charges visible. This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in the description of coats of arms or other heraldic devices. The use of fesswise is specific to heraldry and is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is an important term for those interested in heraldry or the study of coats of arms.
adverbFesswise refers to a heraldic position where a shield is displayed facing the viewer, with the arms or other charges visible.
- A heraldic position where a shield is displayed facing the viewer, with the arms or other charges visible.
"The knight's coat of arms was displayed fesswise on the wall of the great hall."
"The knight's coat of arms was displayed fesswise on the wall of the great hall."
"In heraldry, fesswise is used to describe the orientation of a shield."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fesswise
The term fesswise is derived from the Old French word 'fess', meaning 'shield', and the suffix '-wise', which indicates a particular orientation or position. This term has been used in heraldry since the Middle Ages and is still used today in formal or technical contexts.
How fesswise is actually used
In heraldry, fesswise is a specific term used to describe the orientation of a shield. It is often used in formal or technical contexts.