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Glite Dictionary
fesses

fesses

9.9
Bands that go across the middle of a shield used in a coat of arms
  • noun
  • /ˈfɛsɪz/
  • Archaic
translation icon : fajas
  • The ancient family crest displayed three golden fesses on a blue background.

Examples

  • The artist carefully painted the two red fesses across the shield for the exhibition.

  • In heraldic design, fesses are often used to symbolize military strength or honor.

  • The ancient family crest displayed three golden fesses on a blue background.

  • The fesses are beautiful.

  • Look at those fesses!

  • The artist carefully painted the two red fesses across the shield for the exhibition.

  • In heraldic design, fesses are often used to symbolize military strength or honor.

Synonyms

bearing
vsfesses
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A picture or symbol shown on a shield to represent a family

is specific to horizontal bands across the shield center rather than any symbol
heraldic bearing
vsfesses
  • Specialized
9.9

A picture or symbol on a shield that shows who a family is

is narrower meaning only horizontal bands across the shield center

Surface Forms

fesses singular
fesses plural

Etymology

Fesses is the plural of fess, which comes from the Latin fascia, meaning 'band' or 'sash'. Think of a belt or sash across the middle of a shield; that's why fesses are the horizontal bands in heraldry.