Cadency

See also Cadency (name) and cadency name

Related Topics:
Cadency (name) - Cadency name

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Cadency is any systematic way of distinguishing similar coats of arms belonging to members of the same family. It is a kind of differencing.

Related Topics:
Coats of arms - Family - Differencing

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Cadency is necessary because in most heraldic systems a given design may be owned by only one person (or, in some cases, one man) at once. However, because heraldic designs may be inherited, the arms of members of a family will usually be similar to the arms used by its oldest surviving member (called the "plain coat"). They are formed by adding marks called brisures, similar to charges but smaller. Brisures are generally exempt from the law of tincture.

Related Topics:
Charge - Law of tincture

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