bend cotised

The bend is a distinctive part of the shield, frequently occuring and clearly visible from a distance – it is a broad band running from top left to bottom right Boutell’s Heraldry, J.P. Brooke-Little, Warne, (revised Edition) London 1970, P 39-40. To add extra impact it can be cotised, with the addition of narrower bends to either side, which may be other tinctures for even more distinction. A Complete Guide to Heraldry, A.C. Fox-Davies, Bonanza (re-print of 1909 Edition), New York, 1978, P123. They are not common, but make a worthy and striking addition to any coat of arms.