In heraldry, a cross or chevron shape that forms a series of zig-zag or ladder-like patterns on a shield or coat of arms.
From Old French and Middle English 'eche,' possibly derived from a word meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase,' referencing the step-like appearance of the heraldic charge.
Medieval heraldic artists created dozens of patterns named for everyday objects—the 'eche' cross looks like a ladder because medieval knights literally thought of their shields as bearing a ladder between their enemies and heaven.
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