Word Study
subordinary
CIDE DICTIONARY
subordinary, n.
One of several heraldic bearings somewhat less common than an ordinary. See Ordinary. [1913 Webster]
" Different writers name different bearings as subordinaries, but the bar, bend, sinister, pile, inescutcheon bordure, gyron, and quarter, are always considered subordinaries by those who do not class them as ordinaries." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
subordinary, n. (pl. -ies) Heraldry a device or bearing that is common but less so than ordinaries.
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