EAGLE, in heraldry, is accounted one of the most noble bearings in armour; and, according to the learned in this science, ought to be given to none but such as greatly excel in the virtues of generosity and courage, or for having done singular services to their sovereigns; in which cases they may be allowed a whole eagle, or an eagle naissant, or only the head or other parts thereof, as may be most agreeable to their exploits.
The eagle has been borne, by way of ensign or standard, by several nations. The first who seem to have assumed the eagle, are the Persians; according to the testimony of Xenophon. Afterwards, it was taken by the Romans; who, after a great variety of standards, at length fixed on the eagle, in the second year of the consulate of C. Marius: till that time, they used indifferently wolves, leopards, and eagles, according to the humour of the commander.
The Roman eagles, it must be observed, were not painted on a cloth, or flag: but were figures in relief, of silver or gold, borne on the tops of pikes; the wings being displayed, and frequently a thunder-bolt in their talons. Under the eagle on the pike, were piled bucklers, and sometimes crowns. Thus much we learn from the medals.