Home › Glossary › Letter C

Canton

Heraldic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

In heraldry, a square emblem placed in the upper dexter (right) corner of a shield, often bearing a secondary charge.

Detailed Definition
A canton is a small square in the shield's corner, representing honor or augmentation. Its poetic use may signify prominence, distinction, or a focal point within a visual or thematic composition.
Example
Example in poetry:
In the canton, a cross of hope shone against the field of war; The poet placed his faith “in the canton,” a small but sacred corner of belief; The rebel’s flag bore a canton of stars, each one a vow of freedom; A canton argent held the secret motto only the loyal could read.
Additional Notes
Canton is a small square in the dexter chief, often bearing a charge of honor (e.g., the Union Jack in British Commonwealth arms); it can signify augmentation or allegiance; in literary use, a canton may represent a subtle nod to authority, alliance, or personal distinction within a larger identity.
Also Known As
Quarter (informal though technically distinct)
Skip to main content