1.
crest, coat of arms, emblem, heraldic symbol
A symbolic design used to identify a family, organization, or institution. In Japanese contexts, refers to family crests (家紋). In Western contexts, refers to coats of arms and heraldic symbols.
王家の紋章が刻まれている。
The royal coat of arms is engraved on it.
この盾には騎士の家の紋章が描かれている。
The knight's family crest is depicted on this shield.
ヨーロッパでは、紋章は家柄や地位を示す重要なシンボルだった。
In Europe, coats of arms were important symbols indicating family lineage and status.
USAGE:
紋章 can refer to both Japanese 家紋 (family crests) and Western heraldic designs. In practice, it is more commonly used for Western-style coats of arms and in fantasy/game contexts, while 家紋 is preferred for traditional Japanese family crests.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 紋章学: heraldry
- 家の紋章: family crest
- 王家の紋章: royal coat of arms
- 紋章を掲げる: to display a coat of arms