armorial

adjective

ar·​mo·​ri·​al är-ˈmȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce armorial (audio)
: of, relating to, or bearing heraldic arms
armorially adverb

Examples of armorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The armorial engraving is the insignia of The Worshipful Company of Masons, one of the ancient livery companies of London. oregonlive, 3 Mar. 2021 The action unfurls in a quaint medieval town square garlanded with flowers and armorial pennants, (modified for the Gala), where Harlequin woos Columbine, and in a Beaux Arts ballroom conservatory where the action continues in the second act. Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 24 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

armory "heraldry, heraldic arms" (borrowed from Anglo-French & continental Middle French armoierie, from Middle French armoier "to bear arms, emblazon" + -erie -ery) + -al entry 1; armoier from armes "arms, weapons, heraldic devices" (plural of arme, going back to Latin arma "implements of war, weapons") + -oier, factitive verb suffix, going back to Latin -idiāre, originally representing variant pronunciation (or spelling variant) of -izāre -ize — more at arm entry 3

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of armorial was in 1572

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Cite this Entry

“Armorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armorial. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

armorial

adjective
ar·​mo·​ri·​al är-ˈmōr-ē-əl How to pronounce armorial (audio)
-ˈmȯr-
: of, relating to, or carrying designs on a shield or flag of a family or a government
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