Heraldic charges or devices depicted on an escutcheon or shield and used to identify a person, family, etc.; also occasionally in singular in same sense.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Edmund Bolton (?1575/5–?1634), antiquary and historian.
Definition of armorial bearings in US English:
armorial bearings
noun
Heraldic charges or devices depicted on an escutcheon or shield and used to identify a person, family, etc.; also occasionally in singular in same sense.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Edmund Bolton (?1575/5–?1634), antiquary and historian.