A square lozenge?

[RJO]

Is there an elegant way to specify that a lozenge should be square, rather than somewhat elongated as is typical? (A very elongated lozenge would be a fusil; what about going in the other, square, direction?)

I do understand that a traditional blazon would not necessarily make such a fine distinction, but for symbolic reasons that's the shape I'm trying to specify.

Many thanks.

RJO

[Peter Howarth]

Post by RJO
Is there an elegant way to specify that a lozenge should be square, rather than somewhat elongated as is typical? (A very elongated lozenge would be a fusil; what about going in the other, square, direction?)
I do understand that a traditional blazon would not necessarily make such a fine distinction, but for symbolic reasons that's the shape I'm trying to specify.
Many thanks.
RJO

What is wrong with 'a square lozenge'? If the shape itself is not traditional, why must its blazon be traditional?

In any case, the object of traditional blazon was to describe accurately but succinctly, in the language used by knights at the time, the designs that appeared on their shields. 'A square lozenge' does exactly that.

Peter Howarth

[Peter Howarth]

Looking for something else, I have just found in the Dictionary of British Arms the sub-heading 'Fretty square nailed (i.e. with lozenges at intersections)'

This is followed by two entries (CKO 261 and CKO 266), both from Cooke's Ordinary, an original vellum roll with painted shields, dating from around 1340 and the earliest ordinary in existence. It would seem then that square lozenges are not especially modern.

Peter Howarth