[Illustration: Example--Dolphin embowed.]
The heraldic dolphin, as usually represented by modern heralds, is an
ornamental monstrosity bearing but slight resemblance to the natural form
of this celebrated historic marine symbol; a nearer resemblance to the
natural shape is decidedly preferable. Some of the early heraldic
representations, though a little crude, are very characteristic and
thoroughly heraldic in treatment, though at the same time very unlike the
real dolphin.
In its series of leaps out of the water the dolphin appears with high
arched back, just as we see it represented in antique works; its natural
shape, however, is straight, the back being but slightly curved. The broad
tail paddle being placed in a horizontal position necessitates an up and
down stroke, which makes their swimming to appear a series of leaps and
divings. Like its near relative the porpoise, it is an air-breathing
animal; its apparent gambollings on the water may, therefore, be more
truly attributed to its breathing and blowing whilst in pursuit of its
prey.
The Dolphin is generally, if not always, depicted in heraldry _embowed_,
that is, having its back greatly incurvated. In blazon the word _Dolphin_,
alone, implies that its natural position, _naiant_ (swimming) and embowed,
is understood, but for the sake of accuracy it is better always to give
the description in full, as a doubt may arise as to the omission of a word
indicating its position.
_Torqued_, _torquend_, _torgant_, or _targant_, from the Latin _torquere_,
to twist, are old terms for embowed, or bowed embowed, bent in the form of
the letter S, turning contrary ways at each bending; applicable also to
serpents.
_Hauriant_, from the Latin _ab hauriendo_, is a term applied to fishes
generally when placed in an upright position or _in pale_, as if putting
the head above water to get air.
[Illustration: Hauriant]
[Illustration: Urinant]
[Illustration: Naiant]
[Illustration: Torqued]
Shell-fish are blazoned _erect_ or _upright_, the term hauriant being only
applicable to fishes with scales and fins.
_Urinant_ (from the Latin _urino_, to duck or dive under water) signifies
borne with the head downwards and the tail erect, the reverse position of
hauriant.
Two dolphins are occasionally borne together, sometimes endorsed, or back
to back; sometimes respecting each other.
As signifying the conquest of the sea, it appears in the shields of many
seaport cities. It figures on the well-known bearings of the towns of
Brighton, Dunkirk, Poole, &c.
The Dolphin appears in English heraldry as early as the middle of the
thirteenth century. In a roll of arms of that date, a dolphin is given as
the coat of Gile de Fiseburn.
"The Godolphins of Helston," says Miss Millington, "who had estates in
that part of the kingdom (Cornwall) at the time of the Conquest, bore
_argent three dolphins embowed, sable_." Similar arms are borne by many
English families.
The Godolphins, Franklins, Franklands, Frenches, Fishers and Kennedys, in
many of their branches, bear the dolphin fish as their crest.
A man playing the harp on a dolphin is the heraldic cognisance of the
Walterton family.
[Illustration: Sea-horse naiant.]