heraldry signifies the colour red, which is expressed in engraving by perpendicular lines falling from the top of the escutcheon to the bottom. See Plate CI. fig. 6.

It is the first of all colours in armory, and was formerly prohibited to be worn by any person in his coat-armour, unless he were a prince, or had a permission from him. This colour is a symbol of charity, valour, and generosity, and represents blood colour, and true scarlet.

The Romans, according to Spelman, painted the bodies of their gods, and generals that triumphed, with vermilion; and under the consuls, their soldiers were clad in red; hence called rustati. And we are told, that the Lacedemonians wore scarlet to prevent seeing the blood issue from their wounds. Those who bear this colour are obliged to relieve such as are in danger of being oppressed by injustice.

Gull. See Larus.

Gulph, or Gulf, in geography, a part of the sea, almost surrounded by lands, the gulph of Mexico, gulph of Venice, of Lyons, &c.