In heraldry, an ordinary is a simple geometrical figure on the arms, bounded by straight lines and running from edge to edge or top to bottom of the shield. There are also some geometriccharges known as subordinaries, which are for some reason or other given lesser status by heraldic writers, even though most have been in use just as long as the traditional ordinaries.Diminutives of ordinaries and some subordinaries are charges of the same shape as the ordinaries, though thinner. [ - ]

In heraldry, an ordinary is a simple geometrical figure on the arms, bounded by straight lines... [ + ]