chevee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialist/Term of Art)Formal, Technical (Heraldry, Historical Design)
Quick answer
What does “chevee” mean?
A heraldic charge representing a stylized band or stripe, typically shaped like an inverted chevron.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heraldic charge representing a stylized band or stripe, typically shaped like an inverted chevron.
In heraldry, a narrow horizontal band across the center of a shield; more broadly, any decorative band or stripe in design or architecture resembling this heraldic element.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage, as the term is confined to the international technical vocabulary of heraldry. British heraldic tradition may have more frequent historical instances of its use.
Connotations
Connotes historical tradition, aristocracy, and specialized knowledge of coat of arms design.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. Usage is almost exclusively by heraldic artists, historians, and genealogists.
Grammar
How to Use “chevee” in a Sentence
The arms [VERB] a chevee [PREP] [COLOR]. (e.g., 'bear a chevee of sable')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in specialized historical, art historical, or genealogical papers discussing heraldic design.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term within heraldry for a specific ordinary (charge).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chevee”
- Misspelling as 'chevy' (a car brand) or 'chevée'.
- Mispronouncing with a /tʃ/ sound (like 'chair') instead of /ʃ/ (like 'she').
- Using it as a general term for any stripe outside of heraldry.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialized term used almost exclusively in heraldry.
A chevron is a V-shaped or inverted-V-shaped charge. A chevee is a narrow horizontal band, considered a diminutive (thinner version) of a horizontal stripe called a fess.
No, that would be incorrect and sound affected. Use 'stripe', 'band', or 'line' instead. 'Chevee' is specific to heraldic design.
It is pronounced /ˈʃɛveɪ/, with a 'sh' sound at the beginning (like 'shelf') and a long 'a' sound at the end (like 'day').
A heraldic charge representing a stylized band or stripe, typically shaped like an inverted chevron.
Chevee is usually formal, technical (heraldry, historical design) in register.
Chevee: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛveɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛveɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHEVron that's been flattened and made into a horizontal band – a CHEV-ee.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MARK OF DISTINCTION (the chevee as a symbolic marker of identity and lineage on a shield).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the word 'chevee'?