ys tinted in its natural colours. [Illustration:
Chaplet]

Ex. Argent, a chaplet proper.

CHARGE. The figures or bearings contained in an escutcheon.

CHECKY. The field covered with alternate squares of metal and fur.

[Illustration: Checky]

Ex. Checky, sable and argent.

CHEVRON. This ordinary is supposed to represent the rafters of the
gable of a house.

[Illustration: Chevron]

Ex. Or, a chevron gules.

CHEVRONEL. The diminutive of the chevron, being one half its size.

[Illustration: Chevronel]

Ex. Argent, two chevronels gules.

CHIEF. One of the honourable ordinaries. It is placed on the upper
part of the shield and contains a third part of it. The letters show
the points in the chief. A is the dexter chief; B, the precise middle
chief; C, the sinister chief.

[Illustration: Chief]

CHIMERICAL FIGURES. Imaginary figures, such as griffins, dragons,
harpies, &c.: all of them will be found under their proper names.

CINQUE FOIL. Five leaves conjoined in the centre.

[Illustration: Cinque foil]

CIVIC CAP. A cap of dignity borne by mayors of cities or corporate
bodies: it is formed of sables garnished with ermine.

[Illustration: Civic cap]

CLARION. A horn or trumpet borne in this shape in English and German
coat-armour.

[Illustration: Clarion]

Ex. Azure, three clarions or.

CLENCHED. The fingers pressed towards the palm of the hand.

[Illustration: Clenched]

Ex. Azure, a dexter arm vambraced couped, the fist clenched proper.

CLOSE. A bird with its wings closed.

[Illustration: Close]

CLOSET. A diminutive of the bar, being only one half its width.

[Illustration: Closet]

Ex. Or, two closets azure.

CLOSEGIRT. A figure whose dress is fastened round the waist.

[Illustration: Closegirt]

Ex. Gules, an angel erect with wings expanded or, dress closegirt.

COAT ARMOUR, or Surcoat. A loose garment worn over the armour of a
knight; hence the term coat of arms. On this garment were emblazoned
the armorial bearings of the wearer.

[Illustration: Coat Armour]

COCKATRICE. A chimerical animal, a cock with a dragon's tail and
wings.

[Illustration: Cockatrice]

COLLARED. Having a collar. Dogs and inferior animals are sometimes
collared: the supporters and charges are generally said to be gorged.
See GORGED.

COMBATANT. A French word for fighting. See LION.

COMPLEMENT. The Heraldic term for the full moon. When this figure is
introduced as a charge in a coat of arms,