Her. Also 6–9 torce. [a. obs. F. torse, torce, fem. a wreath:—Romanic type *torsa, f. stem tors- for L. tort- from torquēre to twist.] An occasional term for the twisted band or wreath by which the crest is joined to the helmet.
1572. Bossewell, Armorie, II. 60 b. For the Creaste uppon the Helme an Hiricion passante, of the Diamonde, charged with Grapes propre, sett on a torce, Pearle and Emeraude.
1652. J. Wright, trans. Camus’ Nat. Paradox, X. 265. A Milk-white Plume shadowed the Torse of his glittering Helmet.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Wreath,… a Torce between the Mantle and the Crest.
1892. E. Castle, Eng. Bk.-plates, 92. The crest is supported by a plain torce.
1910. E. R. Suffling, Eng. Ch. Brasses, 124. A torse, or wreath of two bands of coloured silk.
Hence Torsed a., also torced, furnished with a torse.
1892. Egerton Castle, Eng. Book-plates, 51. The crested, torced, and mantletted helm.
