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roundel

roundel

9.9
A solid circle used as a symbol on a shield or on aircraft
  • noun
  • /ˈraʊndəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : redondel
  • At the top of the arch are two angels bearing a roundel of the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of Christ with a Greek-cross halo and a staff (Fig. 28).

Examples

  • Both turn inward; their poses disassociate them from the scenes in the adjacent roundels.

    Academic text (2008)
  • However, looking beyond the separate witness of each scroll, we discover that the roundel's image more importantly recalls the collective aspect of donations.

    Academic text (1999)
  • This roundel dramatically represents the oral, written, and visual levels of cultural language that accompany donations.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Like the preceding roundel, the final vignette is self-contained.

    Academic text (2008)
  • At each end in a roundel is a knight on horseback, in the manner of ancient seals; that next to the window bears the arms of Fitz Osbert, the other of Robsart.

    Academic text (2013)
  • The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit radiate from the figure of Christ in the form of doves in roundels, with one dove centered on Christ and the remaining six encircling it, all of these explicitly connected with the central dove by pronounced bands.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The heraldic shield features a central roundel emblazoned with a lion, symbolizing courage and strength.

  • Two roundels at the top of the coat of arms display the symbols of peace and justice.

  • The ancient shield was adorned with intricate roundels depicting mythical creatures, showcasing the family's heritage.

Synonyms

rundel
vsroundel
  • UK
9.9

A round mark placed on a shield to show a family's coat of arms

is the alternative historical spelling for the same heraldic disc

Surface Forms

roundel singular
roundels plural

Morphology

roundel = round (transparent) = round + el

The heraldic meaning (a circular emblem) is a straightforward denotation of a round disk, so it is directly inferable from the components.

Etymology

The word roundel for a circular emblem comes from an old French rondel meaning 'small round' and the Latin word rotundus meaning 'round'. So a roundel is simply a small filled 'round' symbol used on shields or as a badge.