a long, thin, brass rule, with a small sight at one end, and a hole at the other, commonly used with a tangent line on the edge of a circumferentor.
in Law, is a narrow slip of paper, or parchment, affixed to a deed or writing, to hold the appending seal. Any paper annexed by way of addition or explication, to any will or testament, is also called a label or codicil.
in Heraldry, a fillet usually placed in the middle along the chief of the coat, without touching its extremities. Its breadth ought to be a ninth part of the chief. It is adorned with pendants, and when there are above three of these, the number should be specified in blazoning. It is used on the arms of eldest sons whilst the father is alive, to distinguish them from the younger; and is esteemed the most honourable of all differences.