is when the cut, coming from the upper left corner, descends across to the opposite lower one.

All these partitions, according to M. de la Colombiere, have their origin in the cuts and bruises that have appeared on shields after engagements; and being proofs of the dangers to which the bearers had been exposed, they gained them esteem; for which reason they were transmitted to posterity, and became arms and marks of honour to their future families.