annulet

[Latin ānulus, ring; see annulus + -ET.]

A small molding, usually circular in plan and square or angular in section; esp. one of the fillets encircling the lower part of the Doric capital above the necking.

annulets: A, of a Doric capital. Shown enlarged in lower figure

The noun has 3 meanings:

Meaning #1: a charge in the shape of a circle; a hollow roundel
  Synonym: roundel

Meaning #2: molding in the form of a ring; at top of a column
  Synonyms: bandelet, bandelette, bandlet, square and rabbet

Meaning #3: a small ring

Annulets as regular charges (not as a difference). Gules, three annulets in pile Argent

An annulet (i.e. "little ring"), in heraldry, is a difference or mark of distinction, which the fifth brother of any family ought to bear in his coat of arms.

Annulets are also part of the coat-armor of several families. They were anciently reputed a mark of nobility and jurisdiction; it being the custom of prelates to receive their investiture per baculum et annulum.

This article incorporates content from the 1728 Cyclopaedia, a publication in the public domain.

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