orle

noun

ˈȯr(ə)l

plural -s

1

heraldry

a

: a number of small charges arranged so as to form a border within the edge of the field

an orle of martlets

b

: a border within and parallel to but not touching the edge of the field

c

: the wreath or chaplet surmounting or encircling the helmet of a knight and bearing the crest

2

: a narrow fillet at the top of a shaft separating it from the bell of the capital or at the bottom above the molding of the base

Phrases

in orle

: in the form of an orle round the escutcheon leaving the middle of the field vacant or occupied by something else

—used of bearings on the shield

adverb

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, literally, border, hem, from orler to put a hem on, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin orulare, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin orula border, hem, from Latin ora border, rim, coast

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!