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| | Encyclopedia :: encyclopedia : Coat of arms (Site not responding. Last check: ) |
 | | The term coat of arms is a modern colloquial terminology referring to what is properly termed an heraldic achievement, achievement of arms or bearings in traditional European heraldry. |
 | | Coats of arms are derived from the medieval practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments, and they consist of a number of defined elements, including a shield, supporters, helm, coronet, pavilion, banners and motto. |
 | | At a national level "coats of arms" are generally retained by monarchist states, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Sweden and Denmark. |
| www.hallencyclopedia.com /Coat_of_arms (266 words) |
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