Coat of arms, Coat, Coat-Armour, Cote-Armure

    Armorial Bearings displayed in full on a shield or escutcheon. The term is derived from the original custom of embroidering armorial bearings on the surcoat or tabard of the wearer. See also Arms.

 Coat of Arms reversed, or turned upside down, contrary to the usual manner of bearing, is the last of the abatements of honour, a degradation for treason.