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Feathers

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

Symbolic plumes used in crests or badges, often denoting peace or accomplishment.

Detailed Definition
Feathers feature in heraldry as decorative crests, emblems of high rank, or personal devices like the Prince of Wales’s badge. In poetry, they suggest lightness, spirit, aspiration, or remembrance—airy signs that elevate themes of nobility, grace, and transience.
Example
Example in poetry:
Feathers argent from the crest floated down like blessings on the battlefield; “Feathers of thought,” the poet called his verses, light but lasting; The ostrich feathers, symbol of the Prince of Wales, inspired royal odes; Feathers charged with eyes became emblems of watchful wisdom in the allegory.
Additional Notes
Feathers in heraldry often appear as plumes in crests or as charges (e.g., ostrich feathers for the Prince of Wales); they symbolize lightness, speed, or divine inspiration; in poetry, feathers can contrast with martial imagery to suggest grace, communication, or spiritual ascent; note that "feathered" may describe a bird’s plumage tincture.
Also Known As
Plume Ostrich feather (when specific)
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