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Helm

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, the helmet positioned above the shield in a coat of arms, indicating rank and supporting the crest.

Detailed Definition
The helm symbolizes defense, rank, and martial readiness. In poetry, it conjures images of protection, honor, or the warrior’s role.
Example
Example in poetry:
The helm, barred for nobility, crowned the escutcheon with martial dignity; “Helm of thought,” the poet called his mind, visor closed to distraction; The broken helm on the tomb symbolized the end of earthly battles; From the helm, the crest rose like a soul freed from the body’s armor.
Additional Notes
Helm is the helmet placed above the shield in a full achievement, varying in style by rank (e.g., tilting helm for gentry, barred helm for nobility); it supports the crest; in verse, the helm symbolizes defense, anonymity in battle, or the transition from personal to public identity; note that women’s arms traditionally omit the helm.
Also Known As
Helmet
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