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
The bend sinister is the same breadth as the bend dexter, and is drawn from the sinister to the dexter side of the shield.
From The Manual of Heraldry; Fifth Edition Being a Concise Description of the Several Terms Used, and Containing a Dictionary of Every Designation in the Science by Anonymous
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 Webster, Noah
To which I could only reply, "Madam, I have never yet discovered the bend sinister on our escutcheon."
That a market should be held upon the Sabbath in this city, is a "bend sinister" upon its escutcheon.
From The South-West By a Yankee. In Two Volumes. Volume 2 by Ingraham, Jonathon Holt