SABLE

SABLE, in Heraldry, signifies black; and is borrowed from the French, as are most terms in this science: in engraving it is expressed by both horizontal and perpendicular lines crossing each other. Sable of itself signifies

nifies constancy, learning, and grief; and ancient heralds will have it, that when it is compounded with

The occasion that introduced this colour into heraldry is thus related by Alexander Nisbet, p. 8. The duke of Anjou, king of Sicily, after the loss of that kingdom, appeared at a tournament in Germany all in black, with his shield of that tincture, semé de larmes, i. e. besprinkled with drops of water, to represent tears, indicating by that both his grief and loss.