Definition of "orle" in English

noun

1. (heraldry) A bordure that runs around the outline of a shield without touching the edge.

   • 1819, In his hand he bore that singular “abacus”, or staff of office, with which Templars are usually represented, having at the upper end a round plate, on which was engraved the cross of the Order, inscribed within a circle or orle, as heralds term it. — Walter Scott, Ivanhoe

2. (heraldry) The wreath, or chaplet, surmounting or encircling the helmet of a knight and bearing the crest; a torse.

3. (architecture) A fillet under the ovolo of a capital.