Understanding Ducal Coats of Arms and Their Significance in Heraldry

Ducal is a term that refers to something related to a duke, which is a high-ranking nobleman. In the context of heraldry and coats of arms, a ducal coat of arms is one that is associated with a duke or a member of a ducal family. These coats of arms are typically granted by a sovereign authority, such as a king or queen, and are used to identify the bearer as a member of the nobility.

In modern times, the term "ducal" is sometimes used more broadly to refer to anything that is associated with the aristocracy or the upper classes, such as a ducal mansion or a ducal lifestyle. However, in a historical context, the term is typically used specifically to refer to the heraldry and coat of arms associated with the nobility.