Ordinaries are simple geometric figures on the shield. The lines are straight and run from edge to edge and/or top to bottom. They are wider than a line or division of the field.These designs were painted on the field as a means of identification.
Image courtesy Wikipedia
Bar [narrow horizontal division] ~ one who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honor against angry passions and evil temptations. The quote, ‘raise the bar’, takes on a new meaning.Barry [horizontally divided into a certain even number of equal parts] ~ one who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honor against angry passions and evil temptations
Barry Wavy [a barry with wavy edges] ~ troubles keep us in continuous exercise and reminders of providence, as saves in a storm at sea
Barrulet [horizontally divided into ten or any higher even number of equal parts] ~ one who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honor against angry passions and evil temptations
Bend [slanting bar running from the top left hand corner of the shield to the bottom right edge] ~ defense or protection, a knight’s scarf
Bend Sinister [Battune Sinister] ~ marks a royal descent that is barred by illegitimacy from succession to the throne
Sinister means from the viewers right to left, while dexter means from the viewer’s left to right.
Bendlet [half the width of a bend]
Chevron [French for rafter, a upside down ‘V’] ~ protection, faithful service
Chief [horizontal band across the top of the shield] ~ dominion, authority, wisdom, achievement in battle
Cross [vertical and horizontal lines cross, one of the earliest and noblest of the honorable ordinaries] ~ protection, Christian or Crusader
Fess, Fesse [horizontal band across the middle of the shield, like a military belt or girdle] ~ honor
Pale [a vertical band down the middle] ~ military strength or fortitude
Pall [Y-shape]
Pallet [a thinner pale]
Pile [downward pointing triangle, with its top edge at the top of the shield] ~ construction, building
Pile Quarter ~ a bearing of honor
Saltire [diagonal ‘X’ cross] ~ St. Andrew’s Cross, resolution
Those used less frequently are call sub-ordinaries.
