Pronunciation: [kˈɒta͡ɪzd] (IPA) 
"Cottised" is a term used in heraldry to describe a shield divided vertically with a narrow strip or bar placed at the center. The spelling of "cottised" is pronounced /ˈkɒtɪzd/ with the stress on the first syllable. It begins with a hard "c" sound, followed by a short "o" sound, then a "t" sound and ends with a "s" sound. The second syllable has a short "i" sound, followed by a "z" sound and ends with a "d" sound.
Cottised is an adjective used in heraldry to describe a shield or coat of arms that is adorned with small stripes or narrow bars running parallel to the edges of the shield. These stripes, known as cottises, typically appear in pairs or in multiple sets along the sides of the shield, creating a decorative border around the central design.
The term cottised comes from the Old French word "cote," meaning a "tunic" or "vest," which refers to the resemblance of these stripes to the edges of a garment. In heraldry, cottising is a common technique used to enhance the appearance of the main charges or symbols on a coat of arms, providing a distinctive and intricate border that adds depth and detail to the overall design.
Cottised shields can vary in their design and arrangement of the cottises, depending on the desired effect or the specific rules of heraldry. Some shields may have one or two pairs of cottises, while others may have multiple rows arranged in a chevron or checkerboard pattern. The color and material of the cottises can also vary, often contrasting with the background color of the shield or matching the colors of other elements in the coat of arms.
Overall, cottised is a term used to describe a specific feature in heraldry, denoting the presence of narrow stripes or bars along the sides of a shield, which enhance the visual appeal and complexity of the coat of arms.
The term "cottised" is derived from the Old French word "costé", which means "side" or "flank". It relates to heraldry, where the term is used to describe a charge, such as a band or stripe, placed alongside another charge on a coat of arms. Over time, the word "costé" evolved into "cottised" in English, retaining its heraldic meaning.
