Bar Sinister

Pronunciation: /bɑr ˈsɪnɪstər/

Definitions of bar sinister

noun a term used in heraldry to describe a charge on a coat of arms that is positioned obliquely and signifies illegitimacy or dishonor

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a strange symbol called a bar sinister in the old family crest.

A2 The bar sinister on the shield indicated that the family had a dark secret.

B1 The bar sinister on the coat of arms signified illegitimacy in the family line.

B2 The presence of a bar sinister in the heraldry hinted at a scandalous past.

C1 The bar sinister on the escutcheon was a mark of disgrace for the noble family.

C2 The bar sinister on the armorial bearings was a constant reminder of the family's tainted history.

Examples of bar sinister in a Sentence

formal The family crest displayed a bar sinister, indicating a stain on their lineage.

informal I heard that old man's family has a bar sinister in their history.

slang That family has a shady past with a bar sinister on their coat of arms.

figurative The scandal left a figurative bar sinister on their reputation.

Grammatical Forms of bar sinister

• plural: bars sinisters
• comparative: more bar sinister
• superlative: most bar sinister
• present tense: bar sinister
• future tense: will be bar sinister
• perfect tense: has been bar sinister
• continuous tense: is being bar sinister
• singular: bar sinister
• positive degree: bar sinister
• infinitive: to be bar sinister
• gerund: being bar sinister
• participle: bar sinistered

Origin and Evolution of bar sinister

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The term 'bar sinister' originated in heraldry to describe a mark of illegitimacy on a coat of arms.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to denote illegitimacy in heraldry, the term 'bar sinister' has evolved to also signify a sense of stigma or disrepute in general usage.