bar sinister
A bend sinister or baton sinister in a coat of armsA bend sinister or baton sinister in a coat of arms.
Meaning
3 senses(uncountable, usually)A bend sinister or baton sinister in a coat of arms.
(euphemistic, idiomatic, uncountable, usually)The state or characteristic of having been born out of wedlock; illegitimacy; bastardy.
(broadly, idiomatic, uncountable, usually)A state or characteristic which is dishonorable or shameful; a stigma.
More definitions
- a mark of bastardy; lines from top right to bottom left
- the status of being born to parents who were not married
Forms
plural: bars sinisterSynonyms
3 synonymsClose in meaning
- a mark of bastardy; lines from top right to bottom left:bend sinister
- the status of being born to parents who were not married:bastardyillegitimacy
Lessons for this word
2 lessons- A1Plural nouns — Because its plural is irregular
- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable