a blot on (one's) escutcheon



a blot on (one's) escutcheon

A stain or mark against one's reputation or that of one's family. An escutcheon was a heraldic shield that bore a family's coat of arms, and thus serves as a metaphor for one's honor. I was at the top of my class in college, but that narcotics charge will be a blot on my escutcheon for years to come.
See also: blot, escutcheon, on

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
SiriusSIR-ee-əs (English), SEER-ee-əs (English)Astronomy
Vangelis-Greek
NunzioNOON-tsyoItalian
Zula (1)-Polish (Rare)
Filipafee-LEE-pah (Polish)Portuguese, Serbian, Croatian, Polish
Addyman['ædimən]