sinister
1
9.7
- adjective
- /ˈsɪnɪstər/
- Specialized
:
izquierdo (heráldico)
- A dragon is often depicted on the sinister side, contrasting with the angel on the other.
- sinister side
- less sinister
Examples
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The sinister half of the coat of arms displays intricate patterns typical of ancient symbols.
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In heraldry, the design features a lion on the sinister side of the shield.
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Apparently left is sinister in Latin.
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I prefer the left, the sinister side.
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When you bash the bishop, Do you favor the sinister Or the dexter?
Antonyms
- Jargon
The right side of a shield as seen by the person holding it, which looks left to someone facing it
Compounds
- Specialized
A diagonal band on a shield from top right to bottom left often marking a child born outside marriage
- Archaic
A diagonal band on a shield in heraldry running from the upper right to the lower left
Surface Forms
Etymology
Sinister in heraldry keeps its old Latin sense from sinistra, meaning 'left'. So in coats of arms it names the left side of a shield from the wearer's view and is the opposite of dexter.