Clouds

Clouds

Clouds(fr. nuée) sometimes occur as bearings, as in the cases of the MERCERS' and DRAPERS' Companies, and a few families. Very frequently arms, &c., are represented issuing from the clouds; and in French arms still more so, since the dextrochere as it issues from the side of the shield is generally surrounded by clouds. The partition-line called nebuly(fr. nuagé), which may be considered as a conventional representation of clouds, is common in heraldry. See also examples under Ray and Tiara.

Azure, three clouds proper radiated in base or; each surmounted with a triple crown of the second, the cap gules--DRAPERS' Company[arms granted 1439].

Sable, a hand proper vested argent issuing out of the clouds in chief of the second rayonnée or, feeling the pulse of an arm also proper issuing from the sinister side of the shield, vested argent: in base ... &c.--College of PHYSICIANS, incorporated 1523.

Gules, a cloud as a chief nebuly azure and argent, with thirteen rays alternately plain and wavy descending palewise or--LESUNE, Harl. MS. 4199.

Gules, a battle-axe held by a dexter arms in fesse issuing from clouds on the sinister; in chief two mullets argent--PETTET.