escarbuncle

noun

es·​carbuncle
ə̇ˈs,
eˈs+-
: a heraldic charge consisting of a center ornament with eight decorated rays to represent the precious stone carbuncle

called also carbuncle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French escarbuncle, escarboncle, modification (probably influenced by esmeraude emerald) of Latin carbunculus dark red precious stone, small coal

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Cite this Entry

“Escarbuncle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escarbuncle. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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