Otter

Otter

Otter, (fr. loutre): this animal was more frequent in streams than now, and otter-hunting was once a favourite pastime. The stream near Hexham was called the Otterbourne, from which the family mentioned below derive their name. Otters are borne in the arms of several families. The two otters borne as supporters to the arms of NORREYS are represented collared and chained, each devouring a fish, as may be seen in the stained glass at Ockwells in Berkshire. As supporters to the arms of the SALTERS' Company they are represented sable bazanty, ducally collared and chained, each devouring a fish. Two otters rampant proper are the supporters to the arms of BALFOUR of Orkney, and of KINLOCH. The family of LUTTRELL bear otters in allusion to the French name; possibly by the sea dogs(q.v.) otters are intended.

Azure, three otters passant in pale or, each holding in the mouth a fish argent--PROUDE, Kent. [The arms are sculptured in the cloisters of Canterbury Cathedral.]

Argent, a fesse sable between three otters sable, [Crest: an otter sable, in his mouth a fish proper]--LUTTRELL, co. Warwick.

Argent, a fesse sable between three otters of the last; in each mouth a fish proper--LUTTRELL, Luttrelstown, Ireland.

Argent, three otters passant sable--WORSELL.

Sable, a chevron between three otters passant ermine--HARTOPP, co. Leicester[Granted, 1596].

Argent, on a mount vert in base an otter proper; a chief gules charged with a dove of the field between two crosses patty fitchy or--COLERIDGE.

Argent, a demi-otter sable issuing out of a lock in base proper--LITHGOW, Scotland.

Argent, three otters issuant out of a fesse wavy sable--MELDRUM, Tyvie, Scotland. [Another branch of the family bears one otter. See also under Crown antique.]

Ermine, a chevron between three otter's heads couped sable; a chief vert--OTTERBOURNE.

Gules, an otter's head erased argent between two crosses crosslet fitchy in fesse or; on a chief of the second as many mullets azure--ROWAND, Ireland.

Argent, an open boat proper between three otter's heads erased sable; on a chief vert as many crescents of the field--M'NABB.