insignia

Coats of arms; armorial bearings; emblems of rank. Pins, badges or ribbons worn by members of a club. 6 Am 12d Asso & C § 17. In the days of chivalry and knight errantry, and at the present time, where distinctions are recognized by law, between wealth and other adventitious influences, and poverty or weakness, the adventurous and the great have adopted their insignia, suggested by valorous achievement, or other causes. These are called their arms or family escutcheon, and are usually engraved on their seals. Kirksey v Bates (Ala) 7 Port 529. As the term is used with reference to notarial seals, it means the armorial ensign of a state or political community, intended to distinguish it from others, and which is usually transferred to its national flag or banner. Yet, perhaps a public flag cannot always be considered as a true indication of the arms of the country to which it belongs; for most countries have two banners-one borne by vessels of war, and the other by those engaged in commerce. Kirksey v Bates (Ala) 7 Port 529.