What does pattee mean?
A pattee is a small shield-like escutcheon used in heraldry, the formal study of coats of arms and related designs. Its characteristic feature is that its sides spread outward rather than remaining parallel, creating a broadened, somewhat triangular profile. The term can also function as an adjective: a cross pattee, for example, is a cross whose arms are narrow near the center and wider at their outer ends. Although uncommon in general conversation, pattee is useful to anyone reading heraldic descriptions, studying armorial art, or interpreting the symbols on coats of arms. Its spelling can vary. The plain form pattee is widely used, whereas pattée, with an acute accent, preserves the influence of French heraldic terminology and is also common in formal descriptions. Neither spelling refers to a food or to a pattern of repeating sounds.
A small heraldic shield or escutcheon, especially one whose sides spread outward.
"A pattee appears prominently at the center of the shield."
Chiefly used in heraldry and specialist descriptions of coats of arms.
Shaped like a heraldic shield with sides that spread outward, especially widening toward the ends.
"The badge contains a cross pattee with broad outer arms."
Common in the established heraldic phrase “cross pattee”; the spelling “cross pattée” is also used.
The plural is rare because the word is chiefly used in specialist heraldic contexts.
"The catalogue lists several pattees from medieval seals."
Patee is a heraldic shape trick: the design is narrow in the middle but spreads outward like a shield, giving the cross pattee its distinctive widening arms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pattee
The word entered English from French heraldic terminology, in which pattée describes a shield or cross whose sides widen toward the ends. Its French form is historically associated with patte, meaning “paw,” a development reflected in related English words such as patten. The heraldic meaning was established in English during the study and description of coats of arms.
Related word forms
How pattee is actually used
This is primarily a specialist heraldic term. The spelling pattee is used in modern English, while pattée reflects a French-style spelling with an acute accent; the two are often variant forms rather than distinct words.