Motto - Heraldry

Heraldry

In heraldry, a motto is often depicted on the shield or else above the crest as in Scots heraldry.

In English heraldry mottoes are not granted with armorial bearings, and may be adopted and changed at will. In Scottish heraldry mottoes can only be changed by re-matriculation, with the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Although very unusual and perhaps outside standard heraldic practice, there are some examples of the particular appearance of the motto scroll and letters thereon being blazoned.

A canting motto is one that contains word play. For example, the motto of the Earl of Onslow is Festina lente, punningly interpreting on-slow (literally "make haste slowly").

The motto of the County of Somerset is in Anglo-Saxon; that of South Cambridgeshire in the English Fens is in Dutch: "Niet Zonder Arbyt" (Not Without Labour).

Ships and submarines in the Royal Navy each have a badge and motto, as do units of the Royal Air Force.

Read more about this topic:  Motto