Goutte

/ɡuːt/ noun

Definition

In heraldry, one of the small teardrop-shaped charges representing a drop of liquid on a coat of arms.

Etymology

From Old French 'goutte', meaning 'drop'. This heraldic term preserves the original French form and meaning, used in the specialized vocabulary of coat-of-arms description.

Kelly Says

Medieval heralds had specific French terms for every tiny symbol on shields—'goutte' for drops is one of the few where the French name stuck in English heraldry, making it sound mysteriously fancy!

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