The word "Empaled" is spelled with the prefix "em-" and the root word "paled". The IPA phonetic transcription for "Empaled" is /ɛmˈpeɪld/. This means that the emphasis is on the second syllable "pay" with a short "e" sound followed by a long "a" sound. The suffix "-ed" is added to indicate that the action has already taken place. The word "Empaled" refers to the act of impaling or piercing something with a sharp object such as a stake or spear.
"Empaled" is a term used in heraldry and historical contexts, primarily referring to a specific method of impalement. Impalement is a common practice in heraldry where two or more coats of arms are displayed side by side to signify a marital alliance or inheritance. Empale, or empalement, specifically describes the act of vertically dividing the field of a coat of arms into two equal parts, with one part displaying the arms of the husband and the other part displaying the arms of the wife.
The word "empale" is derived from the Latin word "impalare," meaning "to fence with stakes" or "to enclose with a palisade." In the context of heraldry, it signifies the visual split of the escutcheon into two equal halves, often accomplished with an imaginary line running vertically from top to bottom.
Empalement is commonly seen in representations of the arms of married couples or in designs portraying the inheritance of family estates through a female line. It is a notable way to symbolize the unity of two families or the passing down of titles, properties, or privileges.
Overall, "empaled" is specifically used in the heraldic sense, referring to the act of dividing a coat of arms vertically into two equal parts, displaying the arms of the husband and wife.
The word "Empaled" originated from the Old French term "empaler", which means "to enclose with stakes". It is derived from the Latin word "palus", meaning "stake" or "pole". In the context of heraldry, "empale" refers to positioning two coats of arms side by side in a single shield, typically representing a marriage or alliance between families. Over time, "empale" came to be associated with impaling or piercing with a stake, particularly related to gruesome forms of execution.