torse

[tawrs]

noun

Heraldry.

1. a wreath of twisted silks of two alternating tinctures, usually a metal and a color, depicted supporting a crest or coronet, often upon a helmet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of torse¹

1565–75; < Middle French: wreath, noun use of feminine of tors twisted < Late Latin torsus (past participle), for Latin tortus, past participle of torquēre to twist

Example Sentences

A filmed 1977 performance of Cunningham’s “Torse” features an Amacher score that reflects this change in her music.

From New York Times

Obeying this, the herald painters have displayed the crests of knights and princes as sideways upon a full-faced helm; the torse or wreath, instead of being twisted about the brow of the helm, has become a sausage-shaped bar see-sawing above the helm; and upon this will be balanced a crest which might puzzle the ancient craftsman to mould in his leather or parchment.

From Project Gutenberg

Before passing from the crest let us note that in England the juncture of crest and helm was commonly covered, especially after the beginning of the 15th century, by a torse or “wreath” of silk, twisted with one, two or three colours.

From Project Gutenberg

Cependant on lit sur le torse le nom d'Apollonios d'Ath�nes, fils de Nestor, et la forme des lettres ne permet pas de placer cette inscription plus haut que le dernier si�cle de la R�publique.

From Project Gutenberg

Quelle a �t� l'original du torse d'Hercule, ce chef-d'œuvre que palpait de ses mains intelligentes Michel-Ange aveugle et r�duit � ne plus voir que par elles?

From Project Gutenberg