Gule

/ɡjuːl/ noun

Definition

In heraldry, the color red, traditionally represented by a pattern of diagonal lines or dots on coats of arms.

Etymology

From Old French 'gueule', meaning throat or mouth (from Latin 'gula'). Red was associated with the open mouth in heraldic tradition. The term was adopted into English heraldic terminology in the 12th-13th centuries and remains the official heraldic name for red.

Kelly Says

Medieval heralds had special secret names for colors so their descriptions would be precise and unchanging—red was always 'gule,' blue was 'azure,' gold was 'or'! This ancient system is still used today by people who study coats of arms and family crests.

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