bordure

Bordure is a term used primarily in heraldry to denote a border that surrounds the edge of a shield or field. A bordure encircles the entire shield and is distinct from any central charges; its width and style can vary, sometimes forming a narrow trim and other times a substantial margin. In blazoning, a bordure is described by its tincture and its form, for example a bordure engrailled or a bordure indented. Common forms include plain bordure, engrailled (toothed with semicircular points), invected, indented, and nebuly; many variations exist.

In heraldry the bordure serves as an ordinary-like border that may be plain or charged with additional devices. It can be used alone or to frame other charges, and it may bear its own tincture distinct from the field or from central charges. The bordure can be combined with other heraldic elements to convey specific meanings or family associations.

Outside heraldry, bordure also appears in decorative arts and textile contexts to mean an edging or trim along hems, borders of fabrics, tapestries, or garments. In book design and printmaking, the term may describe a surrounding frame or decorative margin around an illustration or page.

Etymology: bordure comes from Old French bordure, from bord meaning border. In modern English, border is the common word for everyday usage, but bordure remains standard in heraldic and some traditional crafts.

In summary, bordure denotes a border surrounding an object, most prominently the edge of a shield in heraldry, with several stylistic variants and broader uses in decoration.