Pile (heraldry)

In heraldry, a pile is a charge usually counted as one of the ordinaries (figures bounded by straight lines and occupying a definite portion of the shield).

It consists of a wedge emerging from the upper edge of the shield and converging to a point near the base. If it touches the base, it is blazoned throughout.

Though the pile issues from the chief (upper edge) by default, it may be specified as issuing from any other part of the edge or as extending from edge to edge of the shield. Although it is not supposed to issue singly from the base, this rule is frequently ignored.

a pile reversed (or inverted or issuant from the base). If not drawn high enough, it can be confused with a division of the field per chevron. See the coat of the Asper Foundation, Canada.

a pile throughout (or entire), reaching from one edge of the shield to the other. See coats of Tidd family, Canada.

Municipal arms of Bassecourt (Switzerland): Or, three piles issuing from dexter sable. A pile can also issue from the sinister.

Arms of (Sweden): Azure, a pile issuing from the base in bend sinister Or.

Arms of Dorosz (Canada): Paly sable and argent, a pile throughout issuant from the sinister base' argent.

John of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon: Or, three piles in point (or conjoined in base) gules. If not so specified, the piles run parallel. (In early armory, whether or not the piles converged depended on the shape of the shield or flag.)

High Peak Borough Council (England): Sable; three piles or; on a base enarched vert, fimbriated or, a fountain.

Lancashire County Council (England): Gules, three piles, two issuant from the chief and one in base, or, each charged with a rose of the field, barbed and seeded proper.

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