English
king-of-arms
King-of-arms comes from Middle English King of armes.
- Middle Englishc. 1150–1500King of armes
- Englishearliest quotation 2011king-of-arms
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Middle Englishc. 1150–1500King of armes
- Englishearliest quotation 2011king-of-arms
Earliest quotation: 2011, Thomas Penn, Winter King: “In April 1504 the longstanding Garter king-of-arms John Writhe…”
Every English word from Middle English King of armes
Today it means
noun One of the three chief heralds of the College of Arms, designated as Garter (Principal King of Arms), Clarenceux (for England south of the Trent and Wales), and Norroy & Ulster (for England north of the Trent and Northern Ireland).
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Middle English King of armes / king-of-arms