Definition

Heraldic jargon for a border or line divided into alternating squares of contrasting colors—basically what happens when a designer gets too creative with checkerboard patterns and calls it 'tincture variety.' It's the medieval way of saying 'I can't decide on just one color, so I'm using them all, symmetrically.'

Example Usage

The knight's shield bore a compony border of gold and azure, making him look either ridiculously fancy or accidentally checkered.

Source: Heraldic terminology, traditional usage

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