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, when compounded with

Or Gules Cheerfulness.
Arg. Vigilance.
Gul. Readiness.
Ver. Enterprise.
Pur. Goodness.
Sab. Mournfulness.

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