Annulet (heraldry)

In heraldry, an annulet (i.e. "little ring") is a common charge,^[1] which can be described as a roundel that has been "voided" (i.e. with its centre cut out).^[2]

Annulets as regular charges (not as a difference). Gules, three annulets in pile Argent

In the 19th century, it was theorised by Webster's Dictionary to be related to the custom of prelates to receive their investiture per baculum et annulum ('by rod and ring').^[3] In English and Canadian heraldry it is also used as the difference mark of a fifth son.^[1][4]

References

1.   One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chambers, Ephraim, ed. (1728). "Annulet". Cyclopædia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences. Vol. 1 (1st ed.). James and John Knapton, et al. p. 104.
2. Gough, Henry; Parker, James (1894). A Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry (New ed.). Oxford and London: J. Parker and Co. p. 112.
3. Webster, Noah; Howe, Hezekiah (1828). "Annulet". An American Dictionary of the English Language. New York: S. Converse. p. 10.
4. "RHSC Heraldry Examination". education.heraldry.ca. Retrieved 31 December 2023.