bend sinister
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That in heraldry, a bend sinister indicates bastardy.
From New York Times ● Dec. 19, 2019
It is a diminutive of the bend sinister, of which it is one-fourth in width, couped or cut short at the ends, so as not to touch the corners of the shield.
From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 3 Atrebates to Bedlis by Various
An ordinary with its ends cut off, borne sinister as a mark of bastardy, and containing one fourth in breadth of the bend sinister; Ð called also bastard bar.
From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Noah Webster
For all of the bend sinister upon his escutcheon, Reginald Maltravers was as fanatical concerning the family as his father.
From The Cruise of the Jasper B. by Don Marquis
To which I could only reply, "Madam, I have never yet discovered the bend sinister on our escutcheon."
