Cadency

Heraldic method of distinguishing individuals or branches of the same family all of whom bear the same arms. The marks of cadency charged on the shield are, for the eldest son, a label; for the second, a crescent; third, mullet; fourth, martlet; fifth, annulet; sixth, fleur-de-lys; seventh, rose; eighth, cro -moline; ninth, double quaterfoil.