- distinction of houses

DISTINCTION of Houses, Differences, Brizures, or Marks of Cadency. Are used to distinguish the younger from the elder branches of a family, and to show from what line each is descended.

               Thus in Modern Heraldry the Eldest son. during his Father’s lifetime, bears a Label, the second a Crescent, the third a Mullet, the fourth a Martlet, etc. See P. 46.

               These distinctions are placed in the shield at the middle chief, or in a quarterly coat at the fess point. See term Cadency.

               In the case of the Royal Family, each member bears the Label, extending across the shield ; the points of which are variously charged, and are borne on the crest and supporters. P. 16, f. 40 to 45, and P. 25a, f. 1 and 2. (ELVN)