fitchy

English

A cross formy fitchy (left, bottom limb sharpened) and a cross formy fitched at the foot (right, spike issuing from bottom limb).

Etymology

From French fiché, past participle of ficher (“to fasten”), Old French fichier (“to pierce”). Compare fish.

Adjective

fitchy (not comparable)

1. (heraldry) Sharpened to a point; pointed.

Usage notes

• Originally, a cross fitchy was one with only its bottom end sharpened (so as to fasten it in the ground), like certain crosses carried by pilgrims; the term fitchy at the foot or fitched at the foot may refer to this, or to a cross where the spike does not replace the bottom limb but issues from the center of it. In some later depictions, all ends are pointed; this may be termed fitchy at all points or fitched at all points, or more usually pointed, urdé, or aiguisé. Compare appointé.

Alternative forms

• fitchée, fitchee, fitché, fiché, fichée

References

• “fitchy”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.