MANTLE, or MANTLING in heraldry, that appearance of folding of cloth, flourishing, or drapery, that is in any achievement drawn about the coat of arms. It is supposed originally to be the representation of a mantle, or military habit, worn by the ancient cavaliers over their armour to preserve it from rust; or, as others hold, a short covering only worn over the helmet, which in after-times was lengthened, and made to hang from the helmet below the whole shield. See Plate CX. fig. 1.