"Caboched" is a word that refers to a heraldic term for a charge on a coat of arms. The spelling of this word is quite unusual, as it features a combination of a silent "h" and a word-final "ed" that is pronounced as "t." The correct pronunciation of "caboched" is /ˈkeɪbɒtʃt/. The first syllable features an open "a" sound, while the second syllable contains a voiced "b" sound and a voiceless "ch" sound. This complex spelling makes "caboched" a challenging word for many English speakers to spell correctly.
Caboched is an adjective that is primarily used in heraldry and refers to a depiction of a heraldic charge, such as an animal or object, with its head shown face-on, as if looking directly at the viewer.
The word is derived from the Middle English term caboch, meaning "head" or "boss," and it describes a charge that is depicted with a circular or spherical head shape. When an animal or object is represented caboched, the natural perspective of the depiction is shifted to emphasize the front view of the head. This frontal presentation often highlights the distinctive features or characteristics of the charge, such as the shape, color, or patterns on the face, creating a bold and eye-catching design in heraldic symbolism.
In heraldry, caboched is particularly used to describe animals like lions, boars, or eagles, as well as objects like helmets or human heads, which are commonly featured charges in coat of arms. The term enables heraldic artists and viewers to easily recognize the specific way in which the charge is portrayed, ensuring accurate and consistent descriptions and interpretations of such symbols in the field of heraldry.
Overall, caboched is a term that defines a heraldic charge, represented with a frontal view of its head, and is associated with enhancing the visual impact and recognizability of the charge's key features in heraldic design.
In her., having the head of a beast with a full-faced view, and nothing of the neck seen.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "caboched" is derived from the Middle English term "cabochon" or "cabochoun", which originated from the Old French word "caboche" meaning "head". The Old French term ultimately came from the Late Latin word "caput" meaning "head". "Caboched" refers to a heraldic term used to describe an animal or creature depicted with its head shown face-on, often with the neck omitted. This term is commonly used in the field of heraldry.