† 1. a. trans. To describe heraldically. b. To set forth by means of heraldic devices. Cf. BLAZE v.2
1593. Shaks., 2 Hen. VI., IV. x. 76. But thou shalt weare it as a Heralds coate, To emblaze the Honor that thy master got.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., VII. ii. (1632), 199. As Some of our Heralds have imblazed.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., II. 157/2.
| Marke how I will emblaze thee, I’l be briefe, | |
| Within a Quagmire-field, two Toades in Chiefe. |
1781. Westm. Mag., IX. 386. The Herald touches the bright fee, T’ emblaze the brimstone of the vis-a-vis.
1782–1800. in Bailey.
2. To adorn with heraldic devices. Hence (and influenced by EMBLAZE v.1), to adorn magnificently, make resplendent.
1522. Skelton, Why not to Court. With crowns of gold emblased They make him so amased.
1667. Milton, P. L., I. 533. Th’ Imperial Ensign … With Gemms and Golden lustre rich imblaz’d Seraphic arms and Trophies.
1717. Pope, Eloisa, 136. No weeping orphan saw his father’s stores Our shrines irradiate, or emblaze the floors.
1818. Milman, Samor, 289. An enwoven tapestry of flame … emblaz’d Like hall of old barbaric Potentate.
3. To inscribe or portray conspicuously.
1590. Greene, Orl. Fur., Wks. 1831, I. 5. Where stout Hercules Emblaz’d his trophies on two posts of brass.
1667. Milton, P. L., V. 592. Or in thir glittering Tissues bear imblaz’d Holy Memorials.
1742. Young, Nt. Th., IX. 1660. Divine Instructor! Thy first volume … In moon, and stars … Emblaz’d to seize the sight.
1808. J. Barlow, Columb., VI. 246. Here herald glory first emblazed her name.
4. To inscribe (a person) on ‘the roll of fame’ (or of infamy); to celebrate, render famous or notorious.
1596. Fitz-Geffrey, Sir F. Drake (1881), 65. Drake hath no Homer to emblaze his glorie.
1609. Heywood, Troia Brittanica, in Farr’s S. P. Jas. (1848), 330. These harsh meeters … but to emblaze you, had yet been vnborne.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., II. 144/1.
| A Scritch-owles quill shall be my fatall pen, | |
| That shall emblaze thee basest slaue of men. |
