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Per saltire

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

Per saltire in heraldry divides a shield into four sections by a diagonal cross (like an X), often symbolizing martyrdom or intersection of lineages.

Detailed Definition
Per saltire symbolizes unity amid division and protection. Literary use often conveys intersection of paths, convergence, or conflict resolution.
Example
Example in poetry:
Per saltire, the field crossed like an X, symbolizing intersection of paths or fates; “Per saltire, my choices,” the reflective poem pictured decisions crossing at a point; The poet saw the wind rose as per saltire, guiding his verses in four directions; In Scottish arms, per saltire recalled the Cross of St. Andrew; Per saltire divisions created dynamic tension, ideal for dramatic poetry.
Additional Notes
Per saltire means the shield is divided by a saltire (X-shaped) line into four areas; it is less common than per pale or per fess; symbolically, it may represent sacrifice, intersection, or cosmic balance; in verse, per saltire fields evoke tension, convergence, or martyrdom—especially when tinctures contrast sharply (e.g., argent and gules).
Also Known As
Saltirewise divided
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