Heraldry is defined as the art or science of blazoning or describing in appropriate technical terms coats of arms or other heraldic and armorial insignia. The system is of very ancient origin, and can be traced back to the Jewish tribes and families; and subsequently in more elaborate form in leading families of Greece and Rome, who bore distinguishing symbols, illustrative of, or pertaining to, deeds of valor or merit performed by their ancestors.

In its more modern sense, however, the heraldic art dates from the time of the Crusades, and was reduced to its present perfect system by the French; and it was not until that period that the crest was generally adopted. The crest was a device worn on the top of the shield, usually placed on a wreath, and it was borne by the knights and other personages of rank, when clad in armor, to distinguish them in battle. At first these badges were worn on the helmet. or on the arm, but in later times were transferred to the shield or armor. Many families have preserved their mottoes, or watchwords, which usually represent a characteristic of the family, or sometimes the war cry of the clan.

An erroneous idea is entertained by some that the heraldic symbols denote aristocracy or exclusive class and is undemocratic in origin and permanency. On the contrary, these badges of distinction were a reward of personal merit, and could be secured by the humblest as well as the highest. Today they are testimonials and warrants of bravery, heroism and meritorious deeds of our ancestors; and they appeal to the pride of the intelligent and our enlightened families, as the valiant deeds and self-sacrificing acts of contemporary persons would to their posterity.