fess

or fesse

[ fes ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Heraldry.

an ordinary in the form of a broad horizontal band across the middle of an escutcheon.

fess

[ fes ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

fess

[ fes ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

, Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.

fess

/ fɛs /

Origin of fess¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English fes(se), veece, fesshe, from Old French, ultimately from Latin fascia fascia

Origin of fess²

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; shortening of confess

Origin of fess³

First recorded in 1905–10; shortening of professor

Origin of fess¹

C19: shortened from confess

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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