The crest on Plate 2, Image 9 (Pl. 2. cr. 9.) is described as a cross pattée (or cross formee), occasionally described as ermine, gules, or azure depending on the specific family.
Here are the surnames associated with this crest:
- Archdall
- Barclay (Touch)
- Barclay (Balmakewan)
- Barclay (Collerny)
- Cesar (Huntingdonshire)
- Cheyne (Scotland)
- Forbes (Foveran)
- Fouk (England)
- Marry (England)
- Mersar
- Rossie (Scotland)
- Triton (England)
Symbolism of the Crest
Cross Pattée: Also known as the Cross Formée, this symbol is strongly associated with knighthood and the Crusades. It represents faith, service, and protection. The spreading ends of the arms are sometimes said to represent the wings of a bird covering its young, symbolizing protection and charity. Ermine/Tinctures: When depicted as ermine (as with Archdall and Triton), it signifies dignity and high rank; when gules (red), it represents martial fortitude and magnanimity; when azure (blue), it symbolizes truth and loyalty.
General Symbolic Meanings
The cross pattée is a quintessential heraldic emblem combining religious devotion with military honor. It suggests an ancestor who may have been a crusader or a person of significant knightly standing. The mottos often associated with this crest, such as “Crux salutem confert” (The cross confers salvation), emphasize a lineage that places its trust in spiritual strength and divine guidance, valuing honor and faith above material gain.