1. a heraldic bird depicted without feet, typically representing a martin or swallow
Usage: heraldry
2. a martin or swallow
Usage: archaic

Examples

• The family coat of arms featured three golden martlets on a blue field.
• Medieval heraldry often depicted the martlet as a symbol of nobility.
• The martlet appears frequently in English heraldic designs.
• Ancient texts describe the martlet as a bird that never lands.
• The herald explained that martlets traditionally symbolized younger sons.
• Swallows and martlets were often confused in old manuscripts.