Heraldic courtesy

For the grape Courtoisie, see Roussanne.
Arms in courtoisie

Heraldic courtesy or courtoisie is a term used in heraldry when two arms are combined next to each other. The dexter arms is mirror-imaged so its charge is turned towards the sinister arms, out of courtesy. This is usually done, when the arms are showing an alliance.[1][2]

This placement of two arms next to each other is often used in German armorial practice, while in English heraldry impalement is more usual.

References

  1. Adolf Matthias Hildebrandt (Begr.): Handbuch der Heraldik, 19. Auflage, Neustadt an der Aisch, 1998, S. 153.
  2. Bernhard Peter: Courtoisie und Wenden: Wann und wie?, auf www.dr-bernhard-peter.de, Abruf 6. Februar 2013.
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