martlet
/ˈmɑːrtlɪt/
noun
- A mythical bird, often depicted without legs, used in heraldry as a symbol of constant movement or a younger son.
- In heraldry, the martlet is shown with tufts of feathers instead of legs.
- The family crest featured a martlet, representing the fourth son who had no land to inherit.
- The knight's shield was decorated with three gold martlets on a blue background.
- A small bird, especially a house martin or a swift.
- Martlets return to the same nesting sites year after year.
- The children watched the martlet build its nest under the eaves of the roof.
- A martlet darted across the evening sky, catching insects on the wing.