= SCALLOP-SHELL.
1. The shell of the escallop, usually a single valve of the shell.
Pilgrims returning from the shrine of St. James at Compostella were accustomed to wear an escallop-shell found on the Galician shore; hence, this shell (in ecclesiastical symbolism used as the emblem of the apostle) is often referred to as the distinctive badge of a pilgrim.
1628. Coke, On Litt., Pref. The Senators of Rome did weare bracelets of Escalop shelles about their armes.
1634. Peacham, Gentl. Exerc., II. iv. 116. Upon her [Thetis’] head a Coronet of Periwinkle and Escallop shelles.
1644. Evelyn, Mem. (1857), I. 101. The piazza … being made with descending steps, much resembles the figure of an escalop-shell.
1835. Kirby, Hab. & Inst. Anim., I. viii. 254. None are more beautiful … than … Escallop shells, or Comb shells.
1846. Prescott, Ferd. & Is., I. vi. 283. The escalop-shell, the device of St. James, was adopted as the universal badge of the palmer.
2. An imitation of a scallop shell used for ornamental purposes; esp. in the collar of the order of St. Michael.
1664. Evelyn, Acc. Architects (1733), 17 (R.). With such Ornament and Decoration as best becomes them; as to Nymphs, Tritons, Sea-Gods, Escalop-Shells, &c.
1864. J. Woodward, in N. & Q., V. 184. The collar of this order was composed of escallop shells.
3. Her. The figure of an escallop borne as a charge.
1610. Guillim, Heraldry, III. xxiii. (1611), 171. He beareth Argent, an Escallop shell gules by the name of Prelate.
1628. Coke, On Litt., Pref. A Cheuron betweene three Escalop shelles Sable.
1766–87. Porny, Heraldry, 175. Three Escallop-shells Pearl.
1864. Boutell, Heraldry Hist. & Pop., xv. 192. The escallop shells appear again upon the shield of De Bigot.
