Arms of Assumption

(Assumptive Arms)

Arms of Assumption are such as may be assumed with the approbation of the Sovereign, or by grant from the proper Officers of Arms. In the days of chivalry it was considered lawful that the victor, upon making captive any gentleman or warrior of higher degree, might assume and bear the shield of arms of his prisoner, enjoying it till regained by the vanquished; and the acquiring of coats of armour by such feats of valour was considered more honourable than hereditary bearings, which descend alike 'to the cowardly and the brave'. Assumptive Arms may, however, be considered, in another sense as armorial bearings improperly assumed.

See Arms.