label
The label, a charge specific to heraldry, was a band on the top of the shield from which three points descended. It is used as a temporary mark of cadency for the eldest son during his father's lifetime.
GLOSSARY
laurel branch
The laurel branch, along with those of the palm and the olive tree, is one of the frequently-occurring partial vegetal devices in heraldry. Because it was evergreen, the laurel branch was held to symbolize purity, virtue and integrity.
laurel branch / leaves
Along with the laurel crown or wreath, the leaves and branches of this tree occurred frequently as charges. Commonly emblazoned as bay-leaves, these leaves suggested peace and gentleness.
lines of division / partition
Lines of division or partition are those lines employed by heralds to part the shield into different areas. While these lines are traditionally straight, they may also be found in different styles (eg. wavy, nebuly, etc.).
lion
Lions have been associated with royalty, and with the sun, perhaps because of their golden colored manes and awesome grace and power. Courage, determination, nobility of character, leader¬ship and ferocity are the lion's characteristics. These animals are also identified with grandeur and generosity of spirit. The rampant lion is the most frequently represented of all animals in heraldry because of the attributes of this beast. The lion is often used as a symbol of royalty, and in many cultures it is considered the "King of the Beasts". In early Christianity, Jesus is seen to be the "King of Kings" and He is often represented by a lion. This giant cat is the symbol of St. Mark one of the apostles. The lion is mentioned many times in the Bible and the time when a lion lies down with a lamb is seen as the dawning of a New Age. Leo as he is known in astrology, is one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac and represents the sun.
lozenge
The lozenge is another of the commonly-used ordinaries, and appears in the form of a diamond shape on a shield. It rarely appears alone on a shield, and symbolizes honesty, constancy, and nobility.
lozengy
Similary to the `chequy', the field `lozengy' is created through the combination of diagonal stripes, starting from the dexter side - bendwise lines - and from the sinister side - bendwise-sinister lines. The result is a field patterned with lozenge-like diamond-shaped figures of alternating colours and metals.