quartering
Quick Summary
In heraldry, quartering refers to the division of a shield, or escutcheon, into four or more compartments, each displaying a different coat of arms. This practice is used to represent multiple family lineages or claims.12
When a shield is quartered, the first and fourth sections typically display the paternal arms, while the second and third display the maternal arms, especially when inheriting from an heiress. This method is also employed when a person assumes a new surname and arms, often due to a will. For instance, King Edward III of England quartered the arms of France with those of England to assert his claim to the French throne.2
A grand quarter is one of the main divisions of a shield that has been quartered, and it can itself be further quartered. The term grand quartering specifically refers to the arrangement of these quartered coats within the larger heraldic marshaling.34
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