AZURE, in heraldry, the blue colour in the arms of any person below the rank of a baron. In the escutcheon of a nobleman, it is called sapphire; and in that of a sovereign prince, Jupiter. In engraving, this colour is expressed by lines or strokes drawn horizontally.—This colour may signify Justice, Perseverance, and Vigilance; but according to G. Leigh, if it is compounded with

Or } it signifies Cheerfulness.
Arg. Vigilance.
Gul. Readiness.
Ver. Enterprise.
Pur. Goodness.
Sab. Mournfulness.

French Heralds, M. Upton, and his followers, rank this colour before gules.