Fox

Fox

Fox: occurs somewhat frequently as an heraldic charge. The tod is a local name; hence borne by the family of TODD.

Argent, two foxes salient counter salient in saltire, the sinister surmounted of the dexter gules--WILLIAMS, Wynnstay, co. Flint.

Ermine, on a fesse gules, a fox passant or--PROBY, Elton Hall.

Sable, on a fesse argent, between three helmets close a fox courant proper--KENNEDY.

Argent, three fox's heads couped gules--TODD.

Quarterly, first and fourth, argent, on a bend gules, three dolphins embowed or, second and third or, a chevron between three fox's heads erased gules--Edward Fox, Bp. of Hereford, 1535-38.

With the fox may be classed the genet, an animal somewhat resembling it, but considerably smaller, and usually grey spotted with black. It was highly valued on account of its skin, and is made to be the badge of an order of knighthood said, according to the legend, to have been instituted by Charles Martel, king of France, in the year 726. The chief instance known of its use is in the Plantagenet badge of a genet passing between two broom-trees(or Plantœ“ genistœ“), given by Edward IV. to his illegitimate son, Arthur Plantagenet, the badge thus providing a double pun.