Hoskins Family Crest Meanings

Symbols:

The following changes (symbols) appeared at one time, incorporated into Coats of Arms. These symbols allude to deeds accomplished, occupation or other traits for that individual with the same name. You will find the explanations interesting as self-explanatory. Genealogical representation is not intended or implied by this report, and it does not represent individual lineage for your family tree.

Coats of Arms:

Pale:
A perpendicular charge occupying the center one-third of the shield. It represents a pale or fence stake anciently used to enclose a camp. The pale is the heraldic emblem of a soldier who has entered the enemy's camp by using military strength to cross fortifications of his foe. It is one of the most Honourable Ordinaries of heraldry.

Chevron:
This signifies Protection, and has often been granted in arms as a reward to one who has achieved some notable enterprise. It is supposed to represent the rooftree of a house, and has sometimes been given to those have built churches or fortresses, or who have accomplished some work of Faithful Service. It is a figure formed by Honour Point. By some heralds, the chevron is said to represent a saddle, in this guise, it would the symbol of a mounted man of chivalrous and brave character.

Engrailed:
Formed with pointed curves like the edges of the Holy Leaf. It implies that the bearer, like the Holy Leaf, is armed at all points in the Christian cause, and he who dares approach in hostility may expect conflict. Engrailed is another accident of form that is believed to indicate, in many instances, religious persecutions.

Rampant: means…
Standing erect on the hind feet and ready for combat. Rampant is admitted to be the most estimable of all positions. Crest:Cock:The cock is a bird of great courage, always prepared for battle, and frequently fights to the death. Being the herald of dawn, it is often used as an emblem of watchfulness, and may be used in armoury to signify either a hero in the field or an able man in the senate. It was used in ancient times in Asia Minor as a symbol of the sun.

Head:
Being the noblest part of the body is in heraldry the most honourable member. The position, unless stated in the blazon, is to be facing sideways, on a profile. Human heads appear to be connected with achievements performed in reference to religion, particularly at the time of the Crusades and the Holy Wars. They are symbolic of a fallen enemy.

Pellettee:
Scattered with pellets (a semee of pellets) which are black roundels.

Wings:
Symbolic of speed. In the performance of a duty involving a journey into the territory of the enemy, such as that of an Ambassador. Wings are also believed to be emblems of paternal care and protection.

The Metals are Argent and Or:

Argent:
Means silver and is usually depicted in heraldic painting by white. According to ancient authors, it implies in the bearer purity, innocence, chastity, truth, justice, and humility. Among the celestial bodies, it is compared to the Moon; among precious stones, to the Pearl; and among plants, to the Lily

Or:
Or means gold and is usually depicted in heraldic painting by yellow. This metal expresses a metal of all other most brilliant and valuable. As this metal exceeds all others in value, purity, and virtue. This metal is said to betoken to the bearer wisdom, riches, and an elevation of mind. It is compared to the Sun among heavenly bodies; among precious stones it is assimilated to the Topaz; and among plants to the Cypress tree; with all the astrological and magical properties of each.

The Colours are Azure, Gules, Vert, Purpure, and Sable:

Azure:
Azure is the term for blue, representing the colour of the pure blue sky; and is intended by the herald to imply justice, humility, loyalty, and perseverance. Among heavenly orbs, it is represented by Jupiter; among stone, by the Sapphire; and among flowers, by the Violet. Blue is said to represent heaven, which is the highest of all things created, the tribunal of God, and the ever-lasting mansion of the blessed.

Gules:
Red, in the heraldic language is called gules, supposed by some authors to be derived from the Hebrew word "gulade" (red cloth), by others from the Arabic "gula" (red rose), but most probably from the French, "guele" (the mouth of a wild beast), in allusion to its reeking with the blood of a slaughtered victim. Gules is a royal colour and has long been used an apparel of majesty. This colour denotes martial prowess, boldness, hardihood, valour and magnanimity. It is considered to be the most noble of all colours; it is assimilated to the planet Mars in the heavens; to the Ruby among stones; and among flowers, the Rose.