BLAZONING is the heraldic term for describing a coat of arms.  First the field (background) of the shield is described, then the principal charge,followed by lesser charges on the field and lesser charges on the principal charge.  A full coat of arms (in heraldry the correct term is an Achievement of Arms) usually includes the shield, the crest and a helmet of rank.  A motto often appears but in England it is not strictly necessary.  In certain cases, for example peers of the realm and senior knights, the shield may be held by figures, animals or fabulous beasts, and these are called supporters.    The coat of arms shown below is that of Peter Henry Greenhill of the County of Dorset.  It is blazoned thus: Per chevron Gules and Vert three oval Buckles two and one their double tongues upward Argent and for the Crest upon a Helm with a Wreath, Argent, Gules and Vert between two Grassy Hillocks proper a Garb Or banded of a strap Gules garnished with a buckle double tongued Argent Mantled Gules and Vert doubled Argent.  The blazon therefore builds a step by step picture of the coat of arms as shown below.