Augmentation (heraldry)

In heraldry, an augmentation is a modification or addition to a coat of arms, typically given by a monarch as either a mere mark of favour, or a reward or recognition for some meritorious act. It is important to note that the grants of entire new coats by monarchs as a reward are not augmentations, and (in theory) an augmentation mistakenly given to someone who did not have a right to a coat would be nugatory.