Obs. exc. Hist. Also 4–6 tymbre, (4 Sc. tymmer), 5–7 timber. [a. F. timbre (14th c.), the same word as in prec., which in OF. was transferred to a kind of bell, esp. a hemispherical clock- or table-bell, and thence to a skull-cap of metal, a helmet, and in Heraldry to the crest over the shield in a coat of arms. (Thence also to a crest impressed or stamped upon a legal or official document, a stamp, whence to a postage-stamp: see TIMBRO-.)]
The crest of a helmet; hence, the crest or exterior additions placed over the shield in heraldic arms: see quot. 1894.
1375. Barbour, Bruce, XIX. 396. Twa novelreis that day [1327–8] thai saw, That forrouth in scotland had beyn nane. Tymbrys [v.rr. Tymbres, Tymmeris] for helmys wes the tane, That thame thoucht than of gret bewte, And alsua wounder for to se.
1478. in W. G. D. Fletcher, Shropsh. Grants of Arms (1909), 12. A shild of azure and pourpll parted in pale, a cross engrayled gold or bythwen foure rosses silver, and to his tymbre a gauntelet sillver sette in a wrethe gold and azure.
1513. Douglas, Æneis, X. v. 136 (ed. 1555). The creist or schynand tymber, that was set Aboue Eneas helme and top on hicht.
1572. Bossewell, Armorie, II. 88 b. The Tymbre, a palme of an hande dexter, d’Ermyne, sette on a Wreath Or, and Sable, manteled Azure.
1586. [see ACHIEVEMENT 3].
1894. Parker’s Gloss. Her., Timbre, this French term … comprises the exterior ornaments of the escutcheon, that is (1) the helmet, (2) the mantelling, (3) the crest. By some, however, it is held to include (4) the escroll, (5) the wreath, (6) the motto, (7) the supporters, as well as (8) the cap of dignity and crown.
