ABAISSÉ. A French word, generally used in heraldry instead of the
English word abased. When the fess, or any other ordinary properly
placed above the fess point of the shield, is brought below it, that
ordinary is said to be _abaissé_.

ABATEMENT. Any figure added to coats of arms tending to lower
the dignity or station of the bearer. Thus, the baton, denoting
illegitimacy, is an abatement: so, also, are the differences in coats
of arms showing the degrees of consanguinity.

ADDORSED. Any animals set back to back. See LION.

ALLERION. An eagle displayed, without beak or feet.

[Illustration: Allerion]

Ex. Argent, an allerion gules.

ALTERNATE. Figures or tinctures that succeed each other by turns.

AMETHYST. A precious stone of a violet colour, the name of which was
formerly used instead of purpure, to denote the purple tincture when
emblazoning the arms of the English nobility.

ANNULET. A small circle borne as a charge in coats of arms.

[Illustration: Annulet]