or coat of arms, in heraldry, a habit worn by the ancient knights over their arms both in war and tournament, and still borne by heralds at arms. It was a kind of fur-coat, reaching as low as the navel, open at the sides with short sleeves, sometimes furred with ermine and hair, upon which were applied the armories of the knights embroidered in gold and silver, and enamelled with beaten tin-coloured black, green, red, and blue; whence the rule never to apply colour on colour, nor metal on metal. The coats of arms were frequently open, and diversified with bands and fillets of several colours, alternately placed, as we still see cloths scarletted, watered, &c. Hence they were were called devises, as being divided and composed of several pieces sewed together; whence the words false, pale, chevron, bend, cross, saltier, lozenges, &c., which have since become honourable pieces, or ordinaries of the shield. See Cross, Bend, Chevron, &c.

Coats of arms and banners were never allowed to be worn by any but knights and ancient nobles.

anatomy. See Tunic.