THE COAT OF ARMS OF THE BROADDUS FAMILY

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SHIELD:	Quarterly, azure (blue) and or (gold), fretty, raguly countercharged.
CREST:	A swan ermine swimming in water proper (natural color), charged on the breast with an estoile sable (black), wings expanded or (gold), fretty, raguly azure (blue).
MOTTO:	Sapere et tacere (Latin: "Be wise and say nothing.").

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COLOR MEANINGS:         In heraldry blue is the color denoting truth, loyalty and partriotism. Gold is symbolic of authority, spendor, generosity and elevation of mind. Ermine, which is often called the fur of nobility since it is traditionally worn by nobles, is the true emblem of honor.         Proper or natural colors have no heraldic significance. FIGURE MEANINGS:         The fretty motif indicates that the shield is divided into frets, which in heraldry are termed lovers' knots. The fret is indicative of persuasion. This figure has long been highly esteemed in heraldry.         The raguly motif is significant of difficulties which have been encountered.         The swan is known as Apollo's bird and is the ensign of poets and musical persons. In heraldry, it is indicative of poetry and harmony and of a learned person.         The estoile is representative of the star of heaven and is taken to denote a lofty mind.         The surname Broaddus was orginially spelled Broadhurst. The family is an ancient and distinguished one. AUTHORITIES:         Burke, Encyclopedia of Heraldry and General Armoury         Fairbairn, Crests of Leading Families         Hennessee, Your Family Coat of Arms         Wade, The Symbolisms of Heraldry         Scott-Giles, The Romance of Heraldry         Boutell, Heraldry

-- Hennessee Studio of Heraldic Arts c. 1955