orle

In heraldry: A bearing, usually considered as a subordinary, like a border but not reaching the edge of the escutcheon, so that the field is seen outside of it as well as within.

A band of small objects taking the form of an orle: as, an orle of mullets. It is more commonly blazoned in orle (which see, below).

A circlet set upon a helmet, which supports the crest and is often used in modern heraldry without the helmet, furnishing the only support or base for the crest.

The rim of a shield; especially, the metal rim of a shield composed of wood, osier, or the like, and visible as a projecting rim on its face.

In architecture, same as orlet.

A bearing, in the form of a fillet, round the shield, within, but at some distance from, the border.

The wreath, or chaplet, surmounting or encircling the helmet of a knight and bearing the crest.

round the escutcheon, leaving the middle of the field vacant, or occupied by something else; — said of bearings arranged on the shield in the form of an orle.

A bordure which runs around the outline of a shield without touching the edge.