Escarbuncle

/ˈɛskɑːbʌŋkəl/ noun

Definition

In heraldry, a charge or design shaped like a carbuncle (precious stone) with a scallop shell-like pattern, often used in medieval coat-of-arms.

Etymology

From Old French 'escaraboucle,' possibly from 'carbone' (coal) plus 'boucle' (buckle), blending stone imagery with heraldic terminology. It's an obscure medieval blazonry term.

Kelly Says

The escarbuncle is one of heraldry's most mysterious symbols—it looks like a jeweled flower, and only the most prestigious medieval families were allowed to display it!

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