HERALDRY is the science of conventional distinctions impressed on
shields, banners, and other military accoutrements; or it is the art
of armory and blazoning, or the knowledge of what relates to the
bearing of arms, and the laws and regulations appertaining thereto.
Arms in heraldry are ensigns armorial or marks of honor borne upon
shields, banners, and coats of mail, in order to distinction. The
science of Heraldry consists particularly in the appropriation of
figurative representations, designed, by suitable emblems, to exhibit
the achievements of valor, the descent of hereditary honors, and the
distinctions appertaining to nobility.
The Degrees of Honor existing in England in 1597, were nine; of which
five were _noble_, as Gentleman, Esquire, Knight, Baron, and Lord;
and four were _excellent_, as Earl, Marquess, Duke, and Prince.--The
Degrees of Honor existing in the British nation in 1847 are eleven;
namely, Gentleman, Esquire, Knight, Baron, Baronet, Lord, Viscount,
Earl, Marquess, Duke, and Prince.