[Ek_fiber] Possible Heraldic Solution

[purplkat at optonline.net]

UUmmm, I'm confused.. 

In the descriptons it is stated 'Fusils must be made long, and small in the middle' and 'An elongated lozenge'

These contradict each other.. 'long and small in the middle' make me think of an hourglass. But an 'elongated lozenge' makes me think of a stretched diamond shape (ie playing cards).

Which is it?

Katheryne
the heraldically challenged 

---------------- Original Message -------------
Greetings all - 

In my search for a picture of a heraldic distaff, I found this definition in a heraldic dictionary:
"Fusil - (fu'-sil) An elongated lozenge. The word comes from the French fuscan = a spindle, and the bearing is supposed to represent a distaff charged with a yarn.

"Fusils must be made long, and small in the middle. In the ancient coat of Montague [Montacute?], 'Argent, three fusils in fesse gules.' " - Peacham.

Here's a picture:

If the picture didn't come through, here's the URL (scroll down to geometric charges) - http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jkmacmul/heraldry/

It's fairly subtle, subtle enough to make us non-spinners not feel funny about carrying around a spinning tool that we can't use.  Anyway, I'll leave the rest of the decisions to the herald-types.  :)
Angharad