A coat of arms is a unique EMBLEM or symbol used to represent a family, organization, or individual. It typically consists of a shield, CREST, motto, and other elements such as supporters, animals, and colors. The term 'coat of arms' is derived from the French term 'ESCUTCHEON, ' which refers to the shield that is the central element of the design. The shield is often decorated with symbols such as an EMU (3 letters), orle (4 letters), LION (4 letters), and EMBLEM (6 letters). Above the shield is the CREST, which is a symbolic representation of the family or individual, such as a family CREST (11 letters). The entire design is referred to as HERALDIC (8 letters), and is used to identify and distinguish one family or individual from another.