videbatur

Videbatur is a phrase used in medieval heraldry and coats of arms. It originated from imperial Roman heraldry and was later adopted by European nobility. The phrase is Latin for "he should pay", "be imprisoned", or "he who does not pay".

In heraldry, Videbatur appeared on coats of arms related to nobles who had fallen into debt or disfavor with the emperor or other powerful individuals. The phrase often accompanied images of a locked door, bars, chest, or_jail_bars, signifying debt or imprisonment. This imagery reinforced the notion that the person wearing the coat of arms had strayed from the emperor's favor.

One notable example of the use of Videbatur is in the Welsh heraldry of Llywelyn the Last, a 13th-century prince. The Videbatur phrase, in combination with a honeycomb and other elements, was likely added to the prince's coat of arms to indicate that he had been imprisoned by the English.

Additionally, coats of arms once belonging to Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, feature Videbatur and a kneeling figure bearing a key, emphasizing the Earl's attempts to retrieve a debt. The use of Videbatur provided visual conveyance of economic exclusions.

The role of Videbatur in heraldry declined in the 15th century, following the introduction of more complex coat of arms designs. However, its significance in heraldry remains a testament to its past role in illustrating historical circumstances among medieval populations.