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tincture
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The image shows seven examples of tinctures, markings that represent colors.
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tincture

heraldry
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The image shows seven examples of tinctures, markings that represent colors.
Tinctures Conventional representations of tinctures used when it is not possible to print the actual colors.

In heraldry, tinctures refer to the colors, metals, and furs used to emblazon a coat of arms. These are typically limited to specific choices: metals include gold (or) and silver (argent); colors are red (gules), blue (azure), green (vert), purple (purpure), and black (sable); and furs include ermine and vair.123

The use of tinctures follows a rule of contrast, generally avoiding placing color on color, metal on metal, or fur on fur, to ensure visibility. This system of symbols, known as heraldry, originated in medieval Europe for identification in battle and evolved to represent family lineage, alliances, and property.31

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6 Britannica Sources
  1. tinctures
  2. coat of arms
  3. tincture
  4. tincture
  5. heraldry - The field
  6. heraldry - The nature and origins of heraldic terminology

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