ARMS, or armories, are also used in heraldry for marks of dignity and honour, regularly composed of certain figures and colours, given or authorized by sovereigns, and borne in banners, shields, coats, &c. for the distinction of persons, families, and states; and passing by descent to posterity.—They are called arms,
in regard they are borne principally on the buckler, cuirass, banners, and other apparatus of war. They are also called coats of arms, coat armour, &c. because anciently embroidered on sur-coats, &c. See HERALD-RY.—Some will have the name to have been first occasioned by the ancient knights, who in their jousts and tournaments bore certain marks (which were frequently their mistress's favours) in their armour, i. e. their helmets or shield, to distinguish them from each other.