What is etym: [Cf. F. merlette.] (Her.) A bird without beak or feet; -- generally assumed to represent a martin. As a mark of cadency it denotes the fourth son called?

martlet — Etym: [Cf. F. merlette.] (Her.) A bird without beak or feet; -- generally assumed to represent a martin. As a mark of cadency it denotes the fourth son. (Webster's 1913.)

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