heraldry language source?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The language of blazon as used in the English speaking world tends, by and large, to be a slightly bastardized version of medieval French; outside of France most others countries blazon in their native language.

When blazoning a coat of arms the blazon starts with the colour or colours of the shield then progresses to the charges on the shield (animals, crosses, geometric devices, etc.), followed by a description of any external ornamentation that may be exemplified (helmet, crest, supporters, etc.)

If blazoning the arms of my chief one would say:

or (meaning the shield is gold in colour) a lion (the principle charge) rampant (how it is depicted (rearing up) on the shield) sable (black) armed and langued gules (indicating that the claws, teeth and tongue are red) in chief (meaning that the next named charge, or charges if there is more than one, will be placed within the top 1/3 of the shield) three mullets (stars used as a subordinate charge) aruze (the colour blue).

If the external ornamentation were to be exemplified, then the blazon would continue: above the shield is placed a helmet argent (silver) garnished (trimmed) or as befits his degree (different social ranks are accorded different styles of helmets) with a mantling (the frilly bit surrounding the helmet) or doubled sable (this means folded so as to display both sides) and on a wreath of the Liveries (this is the "twisted rope" on top of the helmet and unless else-wise blazoned is usually the first two named tinctures of the blazon-- in this instance sable and or) is set for a crest a dexter and sinister hand brandishing a broadsword proper (proper means painted in their natural colours) above which is placed an escroll upon which is the motto "Miseris Succurrere Disco" and as supporters (the critters placed on either side of the shield) a lion rampant sable, armed and langued gules, collared or (indicating that the lion is wearing a gold collar) charged thereon (meaning placed upon the collar) with three mullets azure.

From the above blazon virtually any armourist could accurately render the arms of Macmillan of Macmillan and Knap.

(I have tried repeatedly to add a picture of the above arms, thus far without success. I shall, however, endeavour to persevere.)