Why does a lion stand on his hind legs? What did a crusader's cross mean? An 1886 guide that teaches heraldry as bedtime stories — plus: design your own coat of arms.

Supporters. - Mottoes. - Shield. - Colors. - Metals. - Furs

4 pages in this part of Dame Heraldry.

Supporters. - Mottoes. - Shield. - Colors. - Metals. - Furs

AND now we will look at the supporters. - In old tournament days when the knights placed their arms within the lists, previous to beginning…

Supporters. - Mottoes. - Shield. - Colors. - Metals. - Furs: Latin

Pious old Dr. Doddridge felt much annoyance at the common translation of his Latin motto, and yet he could not make up his mind to rid…

Supporters. - Mottoes. - Shield. - Colors. - Metals. - Furs: French

The motto as now seen is Dieu et mon droit. This was selected by Richard Cœur de Lion, who, in 1198, gained a victory at Gisons, in…

Supporters. - Mottoes. - Shield. - Colors. - Metals. - Furs: Arthur

You all know the tales connected with the Round Table of King Arthur, and what a martial hero the king himself was; and perhaps you have…

Rights & ReuseThe complete text of Dame Heraldry (1886) is in the public domain in the United States — like all works published before 1928 — and is free to read, download, quote, teach from, and reuse. This digital edition (its transcription, restored images, and site design) is © 2026 PhotoOpAI, and any editorial commentary we add is clearly marked as ours; the underlying public-domain text carries no such restriction.