An escutcheon is the central part of the coat of arms. Sometimes people call it a crest, but the crest in heraldry is the symbol above the helmet. Various shields have also become heraldic symbols.
The term ‘escutcheon’ represents a family and its honor. A family member who has done something to bring shame on the family is often called a blot on the escutcheon.
The outline shape is rarely of any significance, but there are several styles of outline
A escutcheon can also be a boucle design.
The surface is called the field. The divisions refer to the pattern on the field. Some Divisions and Ordinaries share the same shape and name.
| Name | Description | Symbolic Meaning |
| Bend | a column from top corner to opposite bottom corner | a knight’s scarf, defense |
| Bordure | a border around the edge, wood used on bridges | honor, used to differentiate between family members |
| Canton | a small square in an upper corner | a flag added to the arms, may contain a charge granted by a Sovereign |
| Chevron | like the roof of a house, an inverted “V” shape | protection, faithful service |
| Chief | a bar across the top | Dominion, authority, wisdom, achievement in battle |
| Cross | top to bottom and left to right | Christian or Crusader |
| Fess | a center column, left to right, like a military belt | honor |
| Pale | a center column top to bottom | military strength |
| Pile | a “V” shape on the front, wood used on bridges | construction, building |
| Saltire | an “X” shaped cross going corner to corner | St. Andrew’s Cross, resolution |
