Wreath

Wreathed . In heraldry, a wreath is a twisted garland of silk of different colors, otherwise called a torce, on which it has, since the 14th century, been usual to place the crest. The side-view of a wreath exhibits six divisions, which are generally tinctured with the living colors,—that is, the principal metal and color of the shield. Every crest is now understood to be placed upon a wreath, except when it is expre ly stated to i ue out of a chapeau or coronet . A wreath, when represented alone, shows its circular form. A Moor’s head is sometimes encircled with a heraldic wreath. A wreath is always understood to be the twisted garland of silk above explained, unle otherwise specified; but wreaths of laurel, oak, ivy, etc., sometimes occur, and savages used as supporters are often wreathed about the head and middle with laurel. Ordinaries are occasionally wreathed, otherwise called tortille , in which case they are represented as if composed of two colors, twisted as in the heraldic wreath; as in the coat of Car michael, argent, a fe wreathed azure and gules.