heraldry

noun

Etymology: From herald + -ry. First attested in 1572. Displaced earlier heraldy, equivalent to herald + -y.

1. The profession or art of devising, granting and blazoning coats of arms, tracing genealogies and ruling on questions of protocol or rank.

   “Rouge Dragon Pursuivant is a specialist in heraldry at the College of Arms.”

   “The ordered system of symbols which we know as heraldry came into being in the twelfth century to meet a military need. These symbols were emblazoned on shields, surcoats and fighting flags, and served as an invaluable means of identification when the features were obscured by the great helm.”

2. An armorial ensign along with its history and description.
3. Pageantry.

   “Onlookers were impressed by the rich and colorful heraldry.”