Pronunciation: [ˈɑːmɪd͡ʒə] (IPA) 
The word "armiger" refers to a person entitled to bear arms. It is spelled as /ˈɑːmɪdʒə(r)/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "a" is pronounced as the long "a" sound like in "father," followed by the sound of "m" and "i" together. The "dʒ" sound follows the "m" sound, and it is pronounced as the "j" in "jeans." The final syllable starts with a short "u" sound pronounced like "uh" and ends with an "r" sound.
An armiger is an individual who holds the rank of armigerous, which refers to having the right to bear arms. The term is predominantly used in reference to heraldry and heraldic achievements. In this context, an armiger is someone who is entitled to bear a coat of arms, either through inheritance or by grant from a recognized heraldic authority.
In historic times, armigers were those who held a social or military rank that distinguished them as belonging to the gentry or nobility. They were typically individuals who demonstrated their worthiness through military service, land ownership, or other notable contributions to society. As a recognition of their status, they were granted the privilege to display a coat of arms, which served as a visual representation of their family lineage, achievements, and allegiance.
The term armiger is also used in a general sense to refer to someone who carries or bears arms. This usage extends beyond heraldry and can encompass anyone who is permitted to carry weapons, whether for self-defense, military service, or other lawful purposes.
Overall, an armiger is a person who holds the right to bear arms, whether it be in the context of a coat of arms or the carrying of weapons. The term encompasses both the historical and contemporary significance of arms-bearing, from a symbol of social status and achievements to a representation of personal protection or military service.
In her., esquire; one with a right to armorial bearings.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "armiger" is derived from the Latin term "arma", meaning "arms" or "weapons", and the suffix "-ger", which comes from the Latin word "gerere", meaning "to carry" or "to bear". In medieval times, an armiger was someone who bore an emblem or coat of arms as a mark of honor. They were typically assigned the duty of carrying the armor or weapons for a knight or noble. Over time, the meaning of "armiger" evolved to refer to a person entitled to bear a coat of arms. Today, the word is mainly used in heraldry to designate someone who is entitled to bear, or has the right to use, a coat of arms.
