bend sinister
In heraldry, a "bend sinister" is a specific type of diagonal band on a coat of arms, historically misinterpreted as a symbol of illegitimacy.
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Definition
C2Heraldry
(technical)A diagonal band on a coat of arms running from the top right to the bottom left of the shield.
Example
- The family crest featured a prominent bend sinister.
C2Historical
(dated)Historically misunderstood as a mark of illegitimacy or stigma.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "bend sinister":