In heraldry, a square with a hollow center, forming a frame-like shape used as a bearing or charge.
From French 'clechée,' derived from Old French 'cleche' meaning a latch or fastening. The heraldic meaning developed in medieval times when coats of arms were being formalized, as the shape resembled a clasp or catch.
Medieval heralds designed coats of arms, and they borrowed architectural shapes as symbols—the 'cleche' looks like an empty frame or clasp, and nobles would use it to show ideas like openness, holding power, or architectural strength.
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