Cross Moline

The cross moline is a heraldic charge. It is so called because its shape resembles a millrind, moline being the Old French for a mill, the iron clamp of the upper millstone. It is very similar to one of the varieties of the "fer de moline" heraldic charge (literal French: "iron of a mill"), the forked tips of which however circle out slightly more, akin to the "cross recercelee". It is borne both inverted and rebated, and sometimes "saltirewise" (i.e. in the form of a saltire). When used as a mark of cadency it signifies an eighth son.

Crosses moline can be seen in the bearings of:

  • Molyneux (mediaeval canting arms): Azure, a cross moline or (Burke's Armorials, 1884)
  • Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Selby District Council
  • The University of Nottingham
  • Huyton-with-Roby Urban District Council
  • North Warwickshire Borough Council
  • Buchanan (Canada)
  • Guest (Canada)

Famous quotes containing the word cross:

    When the cross blue lightning seemed to open
    The breast of heaven, I did present myself
    Even in the aim and very flash of it.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)