ration: Grated helmet, direct front view.]

The position of the helmet is a mark of distinction. The direct front
view of the grated helmet belongs to sovereign princes and dukes.

[Illustration: Grated helmet, profile.]

The grated helmet in profile is common to all degrees of peerage under
a duke.

[Illustration: Open helmet, direct front view.]

The helmet without bars, with the beaver open, standing directly
fronting the spectator, denotes a knight.

[Illustration: Closed helmet, profile.]

The closed helmet seen in profile is appropriated to esquires and
gentlemen. See CREST, BEAVER, MANTLING.

HERALD. An officer at arms, whose business it is to declare war,
proclaim peace, marshal all the solemnities at the coronation;
baptisms, marriages, and funerals of the sovereign and nobility; and
to ascertain and blazon coats of arms.

The principal herald is Garter-King-at-Arms. It is his office to
regulate the solemnities, and emblazon the arms of the sovereign,
knights, and officers of the most noble order of the Garter.
Garter-King-at-Arms likewise presides over all heraldic ceremonies of
the Court. His crown of gold is formed with oak leaves, one shorter
than the other, springing from a circlet of gold, having engraved upon
it the words "MISERERE MEI DEUS." His tabard, as principal herald, is
of crimson velvet, splendidly embroidered with the arms of England.

Clarencieux and Norroy are called provincial kings-at-arms, the former
regulating all things connected with Heraldry in the provinces south
of the Trent; the latter in the provinces north of the Trent. They
have likewise crowns; and though the office of herald is not of so
much importance now as it was formerly, it is still considered a post
of great honour and emolument.

There are eight heralds that are not kings-at-arms. Their tabards
are of silk, embroidered with the royal arms. They are called York,
Lancaster, Somerset, Richmond, Chester, and Windsor. George the First
created a new herald called Hanover, and another called Gloucester.

The kings-at-arms, heralds, and pursuivants, form the Heralds'
College, by whom all matters connected with the coats of arms of every
gentleman in the kingdom are arranged and determined.

HILTED. The handle of a sword tinctured.

[Illustration: Hilted]

Ex. Argent, a sword proper couped, hilted or.

[Illustration: HONOUR POINT]

HONOUR POINT. That part of the shield between the precise middle chief
and t