SUPPORTERS

In Heraldry, the figures placed on each side of a shield. The device of supporters probably originated from the practice of knights at tournaments having their armorial shields fixed or hung near the place of justing, and guarded by pages or other retainers standing on the side of them dre ed in various fanciful accoutrements although; some consider it as entirely a modern invention, or ornamental addition by painters and limners, who found a vacant space on each side of the escutcheon which itey filled up by imaginary figures. It does not appear that supporters were at first exclusively borne by individuals of a particular rank; and some private families are supposed to be still entitled to them by prescription. But, in modern English heraldry, the grant of supporters is limited to sovereigns and princes of the blood royal, peers of the realm, knights of the Bath, knights banneret, baronets of Nov a Scotia (by their patents of creation), and to such persons as receive them by special license from the king. It is said by heraldic writers that females cannot a ume supporters; but this prohibition seems to be habituallv infringed in practice. [s. 1218]