- escarbuncle

ESCARBUNCLE. Is always depicted with eight points as P. 43, f. 57, if not named to the contrary.

               In the Arms of Pherpowe is an escarbuncle of six points or rays, and in those of Ruthfio one of twelve points. Sometimes blazoned an escarbuncle pomete and florety, or pomette and florette.

               The Carbuncles, or Escarbuncles, were originally merely ornamental points of the shield. It is said from the Boss was developed the endless varieties of the Crosses which are abundant in armoury, and from the other strengthening bands of the shield were derived the ordinaries of the armorial system. (ELVN)