A Coat of Arms is sometimes referred to as an 'Heraldic Achievement' and is comprised of several components. Some of these are analogous to the items that a knight wore in battle -- the helmet, crest, wreath, mantle, and shield. Of these, the crest is the highest part of
an armorial achievement, as the term implies. Items not worn but displayed include the motto, supporters and compartment.
The figure shown below illustrates these components using the Arms of Sir William A. Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie as an example. Note that the 'cap' atop the shield and the 'cloak of estate' surrounding the shield; these are included as a result of his position of 'Baron of Blair'.
