| Term |
Source |
Meaning |
Illustration |
| Pacific Dogwood - Natural |
Provincial Flowers of Canada |
 The Pacific Dogwood, shown here in its natural form, is the Provincial flower of British Columbia. |
 |
| Pacific Dogwood - Heraldic |
Association of Municipal Chiefs of Police of B.C. Vol VI, P 58 |
The Pacific Dogwood is the Provincial flower of British Columbia. |
 |
| Paddle-wheel Steamboat |
City of Whitehorse. Vol IV, P 253 |
The Paddle-wheel Steamboat has long been used as a Whitehorse emblem, symbolizing the importance of the vessel in opening up the city and its region. |
 |
| Palisade |
Annapolis |
A fence constructed of stout poles in contact, often sharpened at the tips - a defensive enclosure. |
 |
| Palladian Window |
University Club of Toronto. Vol V, P 36 |
The Palladian style of architecture goes back to the 16th century. The window suggests classical design and its arched shape is an ancient symbol of hospitality. |
 |
| Pan Pipes |
McCain |
As illustrated. Pan Pipes are often used to suggest an interest in music. |
 |
| Panda |
Wong Kung Har Wun Sun Association. Vol VI, P 56 |
The Panda (shown here as the dexter supporter) is an oriental animal, in this case used to represent a Canadian/Chinese association. |
 |
| Pantheon |
Canadian Space Agency. Vol II, P 111 |
The pantheon is an heraldic monster with the body of a hind, the bushy tail of a fox, cloven hooves, and the body completely strewn with mullets or estoiles. In this case, the azure colour and the golden stars suggest a creature of outer space. |
 |
| Panther |
HMCS Tecumseh (Badge) Vol V, P 416 |
The Panther (also known as the puma, cougar or mountain lion) is the largest wildcat in North America. |
 |
| Parachute |
Grimshaw, L.E. Vol III 77 |
The parachute is used in this badge to allude to the grantee's skill as a parachutist. |
 |
| Passenger Pigeon |
Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, PQ. Vol V, P 449 |
The Passenger Pigeon, now extinct, suggests the importance of recalling our history. |
 |
| Patten (or Clog) |
Patten, Lawrence J. Vol II, P 330 |
Pattens are protective overshoes that were worn in Europe from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century. They were made of wood and held in place with leather bands. The patten shown in these arms is used as a play on the surname of the grantee. |
 |
| Paw-prints |
Gibson |
Paw prints (especially those of the bear) have been used a number of times in Canadian arms, often suggesting a connection with the North or with wild country. |
 |
| Peach |
City of Penticton, BC. Vol IV, P 55 |
The Peach refers to the historic orchard industry of the Penticton area, and to its annual Peach Festival. |
 |
| Peace Pipe |
Norquay |
The peace pipe or calumet is depicted as shown. |
 |
| Per Saltire Paly Chevronny |
Dixon, G.L. Vol II, P 200 |
The shield of these arms is blazoned: Per saltire paly chevronny, in all four chevrons Or and Azure pointing to the centre point.
Enlarge the shield, figure it out word by word and you should never have any future trouble with blazonry! |
 |
| Peregrine Falcon |
Wallace, S.G. Vol VI, P286 |
The Peregrine Falcon is a member of the hawk family. They are powerful, elegant and far-sighted creatures, often rare in numbers, but widespread across the world. |
 |
| Perpendiculm |
Association of Professional Engineers of British Columbia. Vol I, P 13. |
The Perpendiculum is an instrument used by early masons and bricklayers to measure a surface's horizontality. It refers in this case to the engineering profession. |
 |
| Pharmaceutical Symbol for Minim |
BC Pharmacy Association. Vol II, P 367 |
In addition to the well-known emblems of pharmacy – the mortar-and-pestle and the balance – this institution has added to its arms the symbol for the Minim (1/60 of a fluid drachm), shown in the sinister chief and on the shoulder of the dexter supporter.This measurement and its symbol were still in use in the early years of the author’s medical practice! |
 |
| Pharmaceutical Symbol for Ounce |
BC Pharmacy Association. Vol II, P 367 |
In addition to the well-known emblems of pharmacy – the mortar-and-pestle and the balance – this institution has added to its arms the symbol for the fluid Ounce (8 fluid drachms), shown in the dexter chief and on the shoulder of the sinister supporter. |
|
| Pileated Woodpecker |
Village of Rockcliffe Park. Vol II, P 333 |
The Pileated Woodpecker (shown here as the dexter supporter) is the largest surviving woodpecker in North America. It is distinguished by its bright red, pointed crest and by its laugh-like call. In these arms, it alludes to the verdant, forested nature of the park. |
 |
| Pileated Woodpecker #2 |
Massé, A., Vol VI, P 329 |
The Pileated Woodpecker (seen here as a crest) is the largest of the woodpecker family. It is native to most parts of Canada. |
 |
| Pine Tree |
McRodan, PW. Vol. V P182 |
The Northern Pine shown in the crest, typifies the forests of Canada and may refer in general to the outdoor life. |
 |
| Pitcher Plant - Natural |
Provincial Flowers of Canada. |
The Pitcher Plant (shown here in its natural form) is the Provincial flower of Newfoundland and Labrador. |
 |
| Plains Indian Headdress |
First Canadian Submarine Squadron, RCN (Badge) Vol II, P 432 |
The Headdress displayed in this badge, with its impressive fringe of eagle feathers, is typical of that worn by chiefs of the Plains First Nations (consisting mainly of the Cree, Sioux and Blackfoot tribes) at the time of their first contact with Europeans. The headdress is symbolic of leadership and connects to the practice of naming Canadian submarines after First Nations. |
 |
| Plessis |
Calder, O.G. Vol IV, P 119 |
The Plessis, or wattle, is a structure that was commonly found in mediaeval gardens. It is made of a series of posts intertwined with branches or strips of wood and often covered with mud or plaster. |
 |
| Plough Culter |
Matheson, M.N. Vol II, P 65 |
The Plough Culter (or coulter) is the actual working part of a plough - the part that creates the furrow in the soil. It is seen in this crest held by the hand and can be used to allude to agriculture or to a strong work ethic. |
 |
| Ponderosa Pine |
City of Kimberley, BC. Vol Iv, P 530 |
The Ponderosa Pine is native to the Western U.S. and Canada. |
 |
| Poppy |
Canadian War Museum (Flag). Vol III, P 340 |
The Poppy recalls the poppies of Flanders fields. It has been used thereafter to commemorate both world wars and by extension all wars in which Canadians have fought. It thus honours all Service veterans. |
 |
| Porcupine |
Edmundston, N.B. Vol VI, P 57 |
The Porcupine represents the Maliseet tribal name (land of porcupines), for Madawaska County, New Brunswick, in which the town is located. |
 |
| Potato Plant |
Village of Drummond, NB. Vol III, P 120 |
The Potato plant symbolizes the principal resources of the area. |
 |
| Prairie Crocus - Natural |
Provincial Flowers of Canada |
The Prairie Crocus (shown here in its natural form) is the Provincial Flower of Manitoba. |
 |
| Prairie Crocus - Heraldic |
Sorobyey, R.B. Vol V, P 328 |
The Prairie Crocus is the Provincial flower of Manitoba. |
 |
| Prime Minister (Mark of) |
M. Brian Mulroney. Vol II, P 370 |
The Prime Minister’s Mark (four maple leaves conjoined in cross at the stem Gules) is shown at the dexter canton of Mr Mulroney’s arms. |
 |
| Pronghorn Antelope |
Province of Alberta |
The typical small antelope of the prairies. |
 |
| Pronghorn Antelope #2 |
University of Alberta. Vol II, P 329 |
The Pronghorn Antelope (here taken from the arms of Alberta) is native mainly to the grasslands of western Canada and the US. It is the only deer-like animal to have branched horns rather than antlers, and is the fastest land mammal in North America. It is generally symbolic of the Prairies and of speed. |
 |
| Propeller |
Holmes, P.D.P. Vol IV, P 306 |
The propeller, (used here in place of a sword) refers to the grantee's service in the RCAF during the Second World War. The propeller shown is that used in the Lancaster bomber. |
 |
| Ptarmigan |
NCC Investment Group. Vol VI, First Nation P1 |
The Ptarmigan is the Territorial bird of Nunavut. |
 |
| Puffin |
Guité, M.J.C. (Crest) Vol V, P 113 |
The Puffin is bird of the auk family, found primarily in northern ocean areas. It is distinguished by a brightly-coloured beak in the breeding season. The puffin nests in crevices in rocks and cliffs. In these arms it alludes to the Gaspé region of Quebec, from which the grantee’s family originated and where puffins are common in the coastal areas. |
 |
| Purple Saxifrage - Heraldic |
Commissioner of Nunavut. Vol V, P 427 |
The Purple Saxifrage (shown here above the maple leaves) is the Territorial flower of Nunavut. |
 |
| Purple Saxifrage - Natural |
NCC Investment Group. Vol VI, First Nations, P1 |
The Purple Saxifrage (shown here in its natural form) is the Territorial flower of Nunavut. |
 |
| Purple Violet - Natural |
Provincial Flowers of Canada. |
The Purple Violet (shown here in its natural form) is the Provincial flower of New Brunswick. |
 |
| Purple Violet - Heraldic |
Edmundston, N.B. Vol VI, P 57 |
The Purple Violet is the Provincial flower of New Brunswick. |
 |
Canadian Heraldic Dictionary
 "click to view larger image of the same")
The Pacific Dogwood, shown here in its natural form, is the Provincial flower of British Columbia. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Paddle-wheel Steamboat has long been used as a Whitehorse emblem, symbolizing the importance of the vessel in opening up the city and its region. "click to view larger image of the same")
As illustrated. Pan Pipes are often used to suggest an interest in music. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Panda (shown here as the dexter supporter) is an oriental animal, in this case used to represent a Canadian/Chinese association. "click to view larger image of the same")
The pantheon is an heraldic monster with the body of a hind, the bushy tail of a fox, cloven hooves, and the body completely strewn with mullets or estoiles. In this case, the azure colour and the golden stars suggest a creature of outer space. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Panther (also known as the puma, cougar or mountain lion) is the largest wildcat in North America. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Passenger Pigeon, now extinct, suggests the importance of recalling our history. "click to view larger image of the same")
Pattens are protective overshoes that were worn in Europe from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century. They were made of wood and held in place with leather bands. The patten shown in these arms is used as a play on the surname of the grantee.  "click to view larger image of the same")
The Peach refers to the historic orchard industry of the Penticton area, and to its annual Peach Festival. "click to view larger image of the same"){kind=icon}
The shield of these arms is blazoned: Per saltire paly chevronny, in all four chevrons Or and Azure pointing to the centre point.  "click to view larger image of the same")
The Peregrine Falcon is a member of the hawk family. They are powerful, elegant and far-sighted creatures, often rare in numbers, but widespread across the world. "click to view larger image of the same")
In addition to the well-known emblems of pharmacy – the mortar-and-pestle and the balance – this institution has added to its arms the symbol for the Minim (1/60 of a fluid drachm), shown in the sinister chief and on the shoulder of the dexter supporter.This measurement and its symbol were still in use in the early years of the author’s medical practice! "click to view larger image of the same")
The Pileated Woodpecker (shown here as the dexter supporter) is the largest surviving woodpecker in North America. It is distinguished by its bright red, pointed crest and by its laugh-like call. In these arms, it alludes to the verdant, forested nature of the park. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Pileated Woodpecker (seen here as a crest) is the largest of the woodpecker family. It is native to most parts of Canada.  "click to view larger image of the same")
The Northern Pine shown in the crest, typifies the forests of Canada and may refer in general to the outdoor life. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Pitcher Plant (shown here in its natural form) is the Provincial flower of Newfoundland and Labrador. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Headdress displayed in this badge, with its impressive fringe of eagle feathers, is typical of that worn by chiefs of the Plains First Nations (consisting mainly of the Cree, Sioux and Blackfoot tribes) at the time of their first contact with Europeans. The headdress is symbolic of leadership and connects to the practice of naming Canadian submarines after First Nations. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Plessis, or wattle, is a structure that was commonly found in mediaeval gardens. It is made of a series of posts intertwined with branches or strips of wood and often covered with mud or plaster. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Plough Culter (or coulter) is the actual working part of a plough - the part that creates the furrow in the soil. It is seen in this crest held by the hand and can be used to allude to agriculture or to a strong work ethic.  "click to view larger image of the same")
The Ponderosa Pine is native to the Western U.S. and Canada.  "click to view larger image of the same")
The Poppy recalls the poppies of Flanders fields. It has been used thereafter to commemorate both world wars and by extension all wars in which Canadians have fought. It thus honours all Service veterans. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Porcupine represents the Maliseet tribal name (land of porcupines), for Madawaska County, New Brunswick, in which the town is located. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Prairie Crocus (shown here in its natural form) is the Provincial Flower of Manitoba. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Prairie Crocus is the Provincial flower of Manitoba. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Prime Minister’s Mark (four maple leaves conjoined in cross at the stem Gules) is shown at the dexter canton of Mr Mulroney’s arms. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Pronghorn Antelope (here taken from the arms of Alberta) is native mainly to the grasslands of western Canada and the US. It is the only deer-like animal to have branched horns rather than antlers, and is the fastest land mammal in North America. It is generally symbolic of the Prairies and of speed. "click to view larger image of the same")
The propeller, (used here in place of a sword) refers to the grantee's service in the RCAF during the Second World War. The propeller shown is that used in the Lancaster bomber. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Puffin is bird of the auk family, found primarily in northern ocean areas. It is distinguished by a brightly-coloured beak in the breeding season. The puffin nests in crevices in rocks and cliffs. In these arms it alludes to the Gaspé region of Quebec, from which the grantee’s family originated and where puffins are common in the coastal areas. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Purple Saxifrage (shown here in its natural form) is the Territorial flower of Nunavut. "click to view larger image of the same")
The Purple Violet (shown here in its natural form) is the Provincial flower of New Brunswick.