blazon
    n 1: the official symbols of a family, state, etc. [syn: coat
         of arms, arms, blazon, blazonry]
    v 1: decorate with heraldic arms [syn: emblazon, blazon]

Blazon \Bla"zon\, n. [OE. blason, blasoun, shield, fr. F. blason
   coat of arms, OF. shield, from the root of AS. bl[ae]se
   blaze, i. e., luster, splendor, MHG. blas torch See Blaze,
   n.]
   1. A shield. [Obs.]
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   2. An heraldic shield; a coat of arms, or a bearing on a coat
      of arms; armorial bearings.
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            Their blazon o'er his towers displayed. --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.
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   3. The art or act of describing or depicting heraldic
      bearings in the proper language or manner. --Peacham.
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   4. Ostentatious display, either by words or other means;
      publication; show; description; record.
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            Obtrude the blazon of their exploits upon the
            company.                              --Collier.
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            Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, actions, and
            spirit,
            Do give thee fivefold blazon.         --Shak.
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Blazon \Bla"zon\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Blazoned; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Blazoning.] [From blazon, n.; confused with 4th blaze:
   cf. F. blasonner.]
   1. To depict in colors; to display; to exhibit conspicuously;
      to publish or make public far and wide.
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            Thyself thou blazon'st.               --Shak.
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            There pride sits blazoned on th' unmeaning brow.
                                                  --Trumbull.
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            To blazon his own worthless name.     --Cowper.
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   2. To deck; to embellish; to adorn.
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            She blazons in dread smiles her hideous form.
                                                  --Garth.
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   3. (Her.) To describe in proper terms (the figures of
      heraldic devices); also, to delineate (armorial bearings);
      to emblazon.
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            The coat of, arms, which I am not herald enough to
            blazon into English.                  --Addison.
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Blazon \Bla"zon\, v. i.
   To shine; to be conspicuous. [R.]
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