Ball-flower

Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 1: A to Beaufort, p. 686
A circular emblem featuring a stylized, three-lobed design resembling a flower or a pomegranate, set against a background of fine horizontal lines.
A circular emblem featuring a stylized, three-lobed design resembling a flower or a pomegranate, set against a background of fine horizontal lines.

Ball-flower, so named from its resembling a ball placed in a circular flower; an ornament peculiar to the decorated style of Gothic architecture which prevailed in the 14th century. The ball-flower is supposed by some to be an imitation of a pomegranate, by others of a hawk's bell. Its form will be better understood from the illustration.

Source scan(s): p. 0713