Blazon

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbleɪzən/

Definitions

1. To depict or describe heraldic arms in a formal manner; to make something widely known through ostentatious display or exaggerated publicity; to celebrate or announce something in a vivid and flamboyant way
2. To officially represent or portray coats of arms with their intricate designs; to publicize information prominently and flamboyantly as a means of drawing attention; to proclaim or celebrate an event with an elaborate flourish
3. To accurately illustrate or describe heraldic symbols with precision; to broadcast news or features in an extravagant and eye-catching fashion; to cheerfully announce or highlight significant happenings in an ornate style

Etymology: The verb "blazon" began as a word for the shield itself. Middle English "blason" or "blasoun" meant a shield, borrowed from Old French "blason," which carried the same sense. Heraldry, the system of designs painted on shields to identify knights and families, was built on this word, so describing a coat of arms in precise terms became known as blazoning it. From that technical sense the word spread outward. To blazon a coat of arms meant to describe its design exactly, using a fixed vocabulary of colours, charges and positions. Once a shield's pattern was spelled out in words, the idea of setting something out in bold, visible terms was a short step, and the word came to mean displaying something prominently or proclaiming it with flourish.

Synonyms: display, announce, proclaim, emblazon, decorate

Antonyms: conceal, hide, suppress