GUTTY.  A term derived from the Latin word gutta, a drop.  A field bearing drops, as in the example, is called gutty.

[Illustration:  Gyron.]

GYRON.  A triangular figure formed by two lines from one of the angles of the shield to the centre.  The gyron may be drawn in any part of the shield, but it is generally placed as in the annexed example.

GYRONNY.  When the field is covered with gyrons, their points uniting in the centre.

[Illustration:  Gyronny]

Ex.  Gyronny of eight pieces, azure, argent, and gules.

HABERGEON.  A coat of mail:  it is also called a corslet and cuirass.

[Illustration:  Habergeon]

Ex.  Argent, an habergeon proper.

HABITED. Clothed figures, either as charges or supporters, are said to be habited.

[Illustration:  Harpy.]

HARPY.  A chimerical animal, having the head and breast of a woman, and the body and legs of a bird.

HAURIENT.  A fish, in a perpendicular direction, with its head upwards.

[Illustration:  Haurient]

Ex.  Argent, a salmon proper haurient.

HELMET.  An ancient piece of defensive armour for the head; it covered the face, leaving an aperture in the front, secured by bars:  this was called the visor.  The helmet is now placed over a coat of arms; and by the metal from which it is made, the form, and position, denotes the rank of the person whose arms are emblazoned beneath it.

The helmets of sovereigns are formed of burnished gold; those of princes and peers, of every degree, silver figured with gold; knights, esquires, and gentlemen, polished steel.

The helmets of the king, the royal family, and peers, are open-faced and grated:  the number of bars served formerly to distinguish the bearer’s quality.  The helmets of knights are open-faced, without bars.  Esquires and gentlemen are known by the close helmet.

[Illustration:  Grated helmet, direct front view.]

The position of the helmet is a mark of distinction.  The direct front view of the grated helmet belongs to sovereign princes and dukes.

[Illustration:  Grated helmet, profile.]

The grated helmet in profile is common to all degrees of peerage under a duke.

[Illustration:  Open helmet, direct front view.]

The helmet without bars, with the beaver open, standing directly fronting the spectator, denotes a knight.

[Illustration:  Closed helmet, profile.]

The closed helmet seen in profile is appropriated to esquires and gentlemen.  See CREST, BEAVER, MANTLING.

HERALD.  An officer at arms, whose business it is to declare war, proclaim peace, marshal all the solemnities at the coronation; baptisms, marriages, and funerals of the sovereign and nobility; and to ascertain and blazon coats of arms.