Botonee or bottonee is a term used in heraldry to describe a cross-shaped emblem featuring three rounded lobes at the end of each arm. Pronounced in IPA phonetic transcription as bɒˈtəʊneɪ, the word is derived from the French word boutonnière, meaning buttonhole. The spelling of botonee reflects its French origin and its adoption into English heraldic terminology. Despite its relatively obscure usage, botonee continues to be an important term in heraldry and is well-known within the field.
Botonee, also spelled botonée, is an adjective used in heraldry to describe a type of cross or charge that has three rounded lobes at the end of each arm. Derived from the French word "bouton," which means button, botonee refers to the button-like shape created by these rounded lobes.
In heraldic terms, botonee is often used to describe the ends of a cross, also known as a cross botonee or a botonee cross. This distinctive design element is commonly associated with medieval and Gothic heraldic traditions and can be found on coats of arms, flags, and other heraldic devices.
The botonee cross is characterized by its flared and rounded ends, which give it a decorative and ornate appearance. The cross tapers towards the center, with each lobe becoming progressively wider at its base. This style of cross is frequently depicted in gold or silver, contrasting against a colored background.
Beyond heraldry, botonee can also refer to buttons or other decorative elements that resemble the shape of a cross botonee. The term is occasionally used in architecture and design to describe intricate patterns or motifs that resemble this distinctive heraldic charge.
To summarize, botonee is an adjective used in heraldry to describe a cross or charge that has three rounded lobes at the end of each arm. This term is also applied to buttons or decorative elements that resemble this distinctive heraldic shape.
The word "botonee" is derived from the French term "botonée", which means "studded with buttons" or "buttoned". It comes from the verb "botoner", which means "to fasten with buttons". In English, "botonee" usually refers to a type of decorative heraldic cross or other unique patterns that resemble buttons. The term "botonee" gained popularity in the field of heraldry, describing the cross with its distinct button-like ends.