blazon

Etymology

From Middle English blason, blasoun (“shield”), from Old French blason (“shield”).

noun

1. (heraldry) A verbal or written description of a coat of arms.
   ...it should never be forgotten that the best blazon is that which is the most perspicuous 1894, James Parker, A Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry
2. (heraldry) A formalized language for describing a coat of arms.
   We must banish, therefore, the persistent but wholly erroneous notion that the heralds invented many of the terms used in blazon and borrowed the rest from the everyday lexicon of terms... 1997, Gerard J. Brault, Early Blazon
3. (heraldry) A coat of arms or a banner depicting a coat of arms.
4. Ostentatious display, verbal or otherwise; publication; description; record.
   Obtrude the blazon of their exploits upon the company. 1709, Jeremy Collier, Essays upon several moral subjects

verb

1. (transitive) To describe a coat of arms.
   the following coat of arms, which I will send you in the original language, not being herald enough to blazon it in English 10 July 1713, Joseph Addison, The Guardian, No. 104
   After Blazoning the Shield, you proceed to the exterior ornaments viz.: The Helmet, Lambrequin, Crest, Supporters, Badge, and Motto 1889, Charles Norton Elvin, A Dictionary of Heraldry
2. To make widely or generally known, to proclaim.
   There pride sits blazoned on th' unmeaning brow. 1774, John Trumbull, An Elegy on the Times
   18th century, William Cowper, Retirement In drawing pictures of forbidden joys, Retires to blazon his own worthless name
3. To display conspicuously or publicly.
4. To shine; to be conspicuous.
5. To deck; to embellish; to adorn.
   She blazons in dread smiles her hideous form. 1699, Samuel Garth, The Dispensary