What does losel mean?
Losel is a rare noun meaning a small lozenge, most often encountered in descriptions of heraldic designs. A lozenge is a flat figure shaped like a rhombus or diamond, and a losel is a smaller version of that form. It may appear by itself as a charge, but it can also be used as a small charge placed upon another heraldic figure. The word is chiefly technical and would be recognized more readily by readers of heraldry, historical costume, or descriptions of coats of arms than by general audiences. Although its spelling may initially suggest a modern form related to “loser,” it has no standard connection with that expression. In contemporary prose, using losel precisely usually requires specialist context; outside such contexts, a clearer expression such as “small lozenge” may be preferable.
nounA small lozenge, especially a lozenge-shaped charge used in heraldry.
- A small lozenge, especially a lozenge-shaped charge in heraldry.
"The herald added a small losel at the centre of the shield."
"A tiny losel appears in the upper corner of the heraldic device."
"The designer chose a delicate losel to ornament the centre of the shield."
The plural is used in specialist descriptions of heraldic designs; the word itself is rare.
"Several tiny losels decorate the border of the shield."
In heraldry, a losel is literally a little diamond—though “diamond” here describes a shape, not a gemstone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does losel come from?
Losel is a diminutive formed within English from lozenge, the older term for a diamond-shaped heraldic figure. The related form lozengy denotes a field covered with a pattern of lozenges, while lozenged is the corresponding past participle of lozenge. The terminology belongs to the vocabulary of heraldry, where relative size and placement can distinguish charges.
How losel is actually used
A rare technical term used chiefly in heraldic description; it is rarely encountered in ordinary modern English.
Easily confused with losel
A lozenge is the general diamond-shaped heraldic figure, whereas a losel is specifically a smaller lozenge.