blazon Meaning, Definition & Usage

Bla"zon noun

Etymology

OE. blason, blasoun, shield, fr. F. blason coat of arms, OF. shield, from the root of AS. blæse blaze, i. e., luster, splendor, MHG. blas torch See Blaze, n.

Definitions

1. A shield. Obs.
2. An heraldic shield; a coat of arms, or a bearing on a coat of arms; armorial bearings.

   Their blazon o'er his towers displayed. Sir W. Scott.

3. The art or act of describing or depicting heraldic bearings in the proper language or manner. Peacham.
4. Ostentatious display, either by words or other means; publication; show; description; record.

   Obtrude the blazon of their exploits upon the company. Collier.

   Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, actions, and spirit, Do give thee fivefold blazon. Shak.

Bla"zon transitive verb

Etymology

From blazon, n.; confused with 4th blaze: cf. F. blasonner.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Blazoned present participle & verbal noun Blazoning

Definitions

1. To depict in colors; to display; to exhibit conspicuously; to publish or make public far and wide.

   Thyself thou blazon'st. Shak.

   There pride sits blazoned on th' unmeaning brow. Trumbull.

   To blazon his own worthless name. Cowper.

2. To deck; to embellish; to adorn.

   She blazons in dread smiles her hideous form. Garth.

3. (Her.) To describe in proper terms (the figures of heraldic devices); also, to delineate (armorial bearings); to emblazon.

   The coat of , arms, which I am not herald enough to blazon into English. Addison.

Bla"zon intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To shine; to be conspicuous. R.