Cramp

Cramp

Cramp, or Crampoon, and sometimes cramp-iron(fr. Crampon), are similar to the pieces of iron bent at each extremity, used for the purpose of strengthening a building. In their origin the irons are supposed to represent the hooked attachments to the scaling-ladders. Hence a cross may be cramponny(fr. cramponné) when the ends are thus terminated. Cramps are generally borne in pairs, and are sometimes(though erroneously) called Fleams or Grapples.

Ermine, two cramps in saltire, sable--TIDERLEIGH, Dorset.

Argent, a chevron gules between three crampoons erect, sable--CHETHAM, Suffolk.

Or, a fesse between three cramp irons sable--HAGEN.