Delf

A sod of earth, coal or turf cut up by a spade, generally borne square shaped but, if oblong, in fess; the word is derived from delving or digging. When more than one is borne in coat-armour, they are called delves. The delf has sometimes been confused with the billet which is oblong in form but always borne in pale.

Delf-tenne is a delf of a tawney colour or tenné and one of the abatements of honour, or badge of disgrace, indicating that a challenge has been revoked or one's word broken.

See also Abatement.