Bear

Bear

Bear, (fr. ours): frequent in German arms, and in some instances in Scottish arms, but comparatively rare in English arms, though not unfrequent as a crest, and sometimes the head or jambs are chosen for the latter apart from the body. In one coat of arms Sea-bears are named: it is not clear what is meant, possibly Seals, but more probably Polar-bears. The Canton of Berne in Switzerland, as well as the Abbey of S.Gall, exhibit the bear in their insignia. Bears appear also as supporters.

Argent, a bear rampant sable, muzzled or--BERNARD.

Sire Richard de BARLINGHAM de goules a iij ours de argent--Roll, temp. ED. II.

Gules, on a bend or a bear passant sable--Canton of BERNE.

Argent, a bear erect sable--Abbey of ST.GALL.

Azure, a fesse or; in chief a bear's head proper muzzled and ringed of the second--BARING[Bp. of Gloucester and B., 1856; of Durham, 1861-79].

Per chevron sable and argent three sea-bears counterchanged--FLOWERDEW, Norfolk.