A herald was originally a messenger sent by a king or nobleman to convey a message or proclamation. (The equivalent of the Greek κῆρυξ kērux.) They often wore a surcoat, called a tabard, decorated with the arms of their master.

Possibly because of their role in the tournaments of the late middle ages, heralds came to be associated with the regulation of the knights' coats of arms. This science (today called heraldry) became increasingly important and regulated over the years, and in several countries around the world it is still overseen by heralds. In the United Kingdom, moreover, these heralds are also still called upon at times to read proclamations publicly.

See also

• Pursuivant
• King of Arms
• College of Arms
• Lyon Court
• Lord Lyon King of Arms

• HMS Herald