[f. as prec. + -RY.]
1. The description or depicting of heraldic devices.
1622. Peacham, Compl. Gentl., xv. (1634), 158. I purpose not heere to enter into a large field and absolute discourse of Blazonry.
1829. Scott, Demonol., iii. 98. Those who practise the art of blazonry.
2. A heraldic device, or collection of heraldic devices; armorial bearings.
a. 1649. Drumm. of Hawth., Disc. Impresas, Wks. (1711), 228. The old impresa or arms, blazonry of the house and family.
1805. Southey, Madoc in W., x. Madoc approach’d, and saw the blazonry.
1845. Carlyle, Cromwell’s Lett. & Sp. (1873), I. 19. The Cromwell blazonry … has given place to Montague blazonry.
b. fig.
1850. Blackie, Æschylus, II. 273. Broidered vestments torn in many a shred, Grief’s blazonry.
1877. Farrar, My Youth, xxxiv. 342. To make you … read on your souls the heraldic blazonry of their high origin from God.
3. fig. Display by brilliant coloring, setting forth with artistic skill.
1814. Southey, Roderick, III. 14. That vision floated still Before his sight with all her blazonry.
1816. J. Scott, Vis. Paris (ed. 5), 173. The blazonry, in stone or canvass, of the exploits that have wasted their blood and treasure.
1878. Mrs. Stowe, Poganuc P., iii. 19. No pageants, no sights, no shows, except the eternal blazonry of nature.
