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Martlet

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

A heraldic bird depicted without feet, symbolizing perpetual motion, effort, or the idea of never alighting—often used in coats of arms.

Detailed Definition
The martlet symbolizes noble pursuit, often representing younger sons who must work for their fortune. Poets use it as a metaphor for restless energy, striving, or ephemeral presence.
Example
Example in poetry:
The martlet, footless and ever-flying, became the poet’s emblem of restless inspiration; “Martlet of the mind,” the sonnet praised thought that never alights on certainty; In cadency, the martlet marked the fourth son, landless but free; The poet saw swallows as martlets, heraldic birds of summer and song; On the college arms, martlets symbolized learning that soars beyond earthly bounds.
Additional Notes
Martlet is a stylized bird resembling a swallow or swift, depicted without feet (symbolizing perpetual flight); it traditionally marks the fourth son in cadency; in poetry, the martlet signifies restlessness, aspiration, or divine messenger—Shakespeare used it in Macbeth to imply an omen; note that its footless form distinguishes it from other heraldic birds like eagles or falcons.
Also Known As
Martin (in older texts) House martin
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