fess — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To confess; to admit.

Noun

1. A horizontal band across the middle of the shield.

   Broader terms

   ordinary

   Examples

   Lord Robert Walsingham de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral—Hum! Arms: Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable.

   More examples (1)

   The space where the arms of Wolsey used to be is being repainted with his own newly granted arms: azure, on a fess between three lions rampant or, a rose gules, barbed vert, between two Cornish choughs proper.

Adjective

1. Proud; conceited.

   Usage

   • UK usage
   • dialectal

   Examples

   Y'll be fess enough, my poppet, when th'st know!"

2. Lively; active; strong.

   Usage

   • UK usage
   • dialectal

3. Of animals, bad-tempered, fierce.

   Usage

   • UK usage
   • dialectal

Noun

1. (heraldry) an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across a shield

   Synonyms

   fesse

   Broader terms

   ordinary