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Or (heraldry)




In Heraldry , or (from the French word for ''gold'') is the Tincture of Gold , and belongs to the class of light tinctures, called "metals". In Engraving s and line drawings, it may be represented using a pattern of dots. It is very frequently depicted as Yellow , though Gold Leaf was used in many Illuminated Manuscript s and more extravagant rolls of arms.

The word ''gold'' is occasionally used in place of ''Or'' in Blazon , sometimes to prevent repetition of the word ''Or'' in a blazon, or because this substitution was in fashion when the blazon was first written down, or is preferred by the Officer Of Arms .

''Or'' is frequently spelt with a capital letter (e.g. ''Gules, a fess Or'') so as not to confuse it with the Conjunction ''or''.

Or is said to represent the following:

  • Of jewels, the Topaz

  • Of heavenly bodies, the Sun

  • Of metals, Gold

  • Of virtues, courage and honor




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