heraldico

Heraldico is a term used in several Romance languages to denote matters related to heraldry—the system of designing, describing, and regulating coats of arms and other armorial bearings. In English, the equivalent term is heraldic, but closely related forms appear in Spanish (heráldico), Italian (araldico), and Portuguese (heráldico). As an adjective, heraldico may describe objects, terminology, or practices connected with heraldry, such as heraldic arms, heraldic terminology, or heraldic authorities.

Etymology and origins: Heraldico derives from heralds, medieval officers responsible for announcing, displaying, and regulating armorial bearings at courts and in ceremonial contexts. The herald’s work led to a formal discipline around the design and description of arms, later codified into the study and regulation of heraldry.

Core concepts: A coat of arms (escutcheon) is the central element of heraldic design, often accompanied by mantling, a crest, supporters, and a motto. The blazon is the formal language used to describe arms in a precise, symbolic manner so others can reconstruct the design from the description. Tinctures refer to the traditional colors (for example, gules for red, azure for blue, or for gold, argent for silver/white) and are governed by conventional rules about contrast and composition.

Practice and institutions: Heraldico-related practice covers design, registration, and display of arms. Many countries maintain heraldic authorities or armorial registries that grant arms to individuals, municipalities, and organizations, and preserve armorial records. Modern usage extends beyond nobility to universities, corporations, and civic entities, whose heraldic devices reflect identity, history, and status.

See also: Heraldry, Blazon, Coat of arms, Armorial bearings.