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Double Tressure

Heraldic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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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 decorative double border—often fleury or counter-fleury—encircling the shield, historically associated with Scottish royal arms.

Detailed Definition
The double tressure is an ornamental double border often associated with Scottish heraldry. Poets might use this to suggest protection, honor, or an added layer of distinction, enhancing imagery of nobility or fortress-like strength.
Example
Example in poetry:
The double tressure flory counterflory encircled the lion like a sacred fence; “Double tressure of tradition,” the verse praised the laws that guard liberty; The poet saw the double tressure as chains of duty and honor intertwined; In the royal arms, the double tressure marked sovereignty guarded by grace.
Additional Notes
Double Tressure is a double border, often flory-counterflory, famously seen in the Royal Arms of Scotland; it signifies royal protection or special favor; in poetry, it can represent doubled loyalty, encircled power, or sacred enclosure; the tressure is typically reserved for high nobility or sovereign arms.
Also Known As
Double tressure flory-counterflory (full descriptive name)
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