coat of arms

noun phrase

1

: a tabard or surcoat embroidered with armorial bearings

2

a

: heraldic bearings (as of a person) usually depicted on an escutcheon often with accompanying adjuncts (such as a crest, motto, and supporters)

b

: a similar symbolic emblem

Examples of coat of arms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Only three of them, including Wisconsin, used their state's coat of arms. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 30 May 2024

Australia, for example, has huge kangaroo and emu sculptures outside its building, echoing its national coat of arms and Olympic logo. —Ina Fried, Axios, 28 July 2024

If there were a coat of arms for human nature, one element of the heraldry would be a hand reaching for a little something to take the edge off—better living through chemistry. —Martha McPhee, Vogue, 24 July 2024

The slice, showing the royal coat of arms, had been kept in a tin box by a former member of the Queen Mother’s household. —Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 14 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cote of armes, translation of Middle French cote d'armes

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

coat of arms

: the heraldic arms belonging to a person, family, or group or a representation of these (as on a shield)