Coat of Arms. Elaborate heraldry symbology. Originally the garments worn over armour in the 15th and 16th centuries, often embellished with heraldry bearings. Later the heraldry symbols encompassing the shield and attributes. These were elaborate creations drawn upon prescribed rules and symbology. Coats of arms were created for prominent families, royalty, countries, cities and towns, dutchies, principalities, other municipal divisions. Many have appeared on numismatic and medallic items. See heraldry.