Vair

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Vair \Vair\ (v[^a]r), n. [F. vair, from OF. vair, a., L. varius
     various, variegated. See {Various}, and cf. {Meniver}.]
     The skin of the squirrel, much used in the fourteenth century
     as fur for garments, and frequently mentioned by writers of
     that period in describing the costly dresses of kings,
     nobles, and prelates. It is represented in heraldry by a


     series of small shields placed close together, and
     alternately white and blue. --Fairholt.
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           No vair or ermine decked his garment.    --Sir W.
                                                    Scott.
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     {Counter vair} (Her.), a fur resembling vair, except in the
        arrangement of the patches or figures.
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