In heraldry, a bordure is a border around a shield. It is an addition in the form of a hem, or girdle, encompassing the entire shield, and serving as a difference. Traditionally, the bordure must be about one sixth part of the breadth of the shield.

A simple bordure is that which is of the same color or metal throughout, and is the first addition of younger brothers. There are others—componed, countered, ingrailed, indented, and charged—with other pieces, which make different additions for younger brothers, in several degrees.

Heraldry